News (Noticias) Tagged ‘Mariachi’

our Latina entrepreneurs, with businesses that capture the flavor and fiesta of Latino heritage, joined forces to send gift baskets brimming with color and culture to three new Latina moms – Salma Hayek, Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Lopez.

The gifts are a “Welcome to el Mundo” for their little ones and a warm embrace for the new mothers, each of whom proudly represents what it means to be a successful Latina in America. And now, each represents Latina motherhood.

“As business women and Latin mothers we want to support and encourage them on their new adventure,’’ said Monica Olivera, who owns the on-line boutique Latin Baby and blogs on products, services and trends for Latina mothers at www.micielitolindo.blogspot.com. “And, of course, to help them celebrate and pass on ‘la cultura’ to their new babies.’’

In addition to Latin Baby, the gift-givers are: Frijolitos, Los Pollitos Dicen and Proud Tots.

The Gifts Were Sent for:
- Max and Emme: the twins born to Puerto Rican-American superstar Lopez and Puerto Rican salsa king Marc Anthony.
- Valentina Paloma, daughter of Mexican-born star Hayek and Francois-Henri Pinault.
- Max Liron, son of Ecuadorian and Irish-American singer Aguilera and Jordan Bratman.

The Gifts:
Latin Baby, an on-line baby boutique for Latino families, sent gifts from their infant and toddler lines - such as hooded towels and jean jackets - which feature designs with Spanish phrases and terms of endearment like “Precioso,” “Chicanita” and “Latina in Training.” www.latinbabyusa.com

Frijolitos, specializing in Latino toy and educational products, sent the children a “Picadillo the Armadillo” book and their popular character plush toys and puppets. www.frijolitosinc.com.

Los Pollitos Dicen (The Little Chicks Say), gifted the celebrities with onesies, t-shirts and newborn hats from their independent designer collection of vibrantly colored baby wear decorated with popular Spanish colloquialisms and phrases such as “Gordito,” “Pachanga” and “Pio Pio Pio.” www.piopio.biz

Proud Tots, which specializes in extraordinary and heirloom quality baby items at affordable prices, sent the babies soft and silky blankets. www.proudtots.com

More About the Businesses:
Latin culture comes alive through Frijolitos line of colorful bilingual books and plush toys for young children based on the antics of Picadillo the Magical Armadillo, Albóndiga the Mariachi Dog, and the little turtle, Tuguita Tere. The collections continues to grow with three new mariachi dogs, Fifi la Francesa, Buñuelo the bulldog, and Pepe the terrier; and three new hard-cover bilingual books Albóndiga the Mariachi Dog/Albóndiga el Perro Mariachi, Tuguita Tere:A Home for My Books/Tuguita Tere: Un Hogar Para Mis Libros and Picadillo the Armadillo/Picadillo el Armadillo. Founded in 2002 Frijolitos has been featured in Despierta America daily show, the L.A. Times, and magazines such as Tu Ciudad, Hogar, Hispanic Business and Hispanic Magazine. www.frijolitosinc.com.

Latin Baby is the largest on-line boutique specializing in baby products celebrating the U.S. Hispanic culture and spirit. Latin Baby carries a wide variety of products for babies and toddlers, as well as gift items for mamás and abuelitas (grandmothers.) Their comprehensive web site is family friendly and includes a number of resources for Latina mothers. www.latinbabyusa.com.

Los Pollitos Dicen’s garments are made in the U.S.A. and packaged in a custom wooden keepsake box. Los Pollitos celebrates the sayings and sweet nothings of Latino culture on vibrantly colored garments. They are available on-line and in boutiques across the country. The firm, founded in 2005 by two Cuban-Americans, has been featured in national media, including Working Mother, Ser Padres, and the Miami Herald. www.piopio.biz.

Proud Tots supplies affordable high-end merchandise to baby boutique owners and retail customers, including unique baby blankets, comfortable shoes and luxurious silk baby bedding. Proud Tots was inspired by owner Maggie Vitale’s dream of “making every little star twinkle.” www.proudtots.com.”

Universal City, CA – This morning on Wisteria Lane located on the Universal Studios back lot, NCLR
President and CEO Janet Murguía, Eva Longoria Parker (Desperate Housewives), and Cristián de la
Fuente (USA Network’s In Plain Sight and ABC’s Dancing with the Stars) announced nominees,
performers, and special honorees for the 2008 NCLR ALMA Awards.

The 2008 NCLR ALMA Awards will tape August 17 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The all-star
event, which celebrates the outstanding artistic achievements of Latinos in motion pictures, television and
music, will air Friday, September 12 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Television and film actress, Eva Longoria Parker, returns once again as executive producer and host of
the telecast. To date, confirmed performers and presenters include Black Eyed Peas, America Ferrera,
Carlos Mencia, Jessica Alba, Adam Rodriguez, Enrique Murciano, Sofia Vergara, Cristián de la Fuente,
Kate del Castillo, Pitbull, and Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano. Special honors will be presented to
Linda Ronstadt, Shakira, and Narciso Rodriguez whose work has impacted the entertainment industry and
influenced American culture.

The two-hour special is presented by the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) – the largest national
Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S. The annual ALMA (American Latino Media
Arts) Awards recognizes and celebrates the outstanding artistic achievement of Latinos in film, television,
and music. The ALMA Awards was created by NCLR in 1995 as part of its strategy to promote the
diverse, accurate, and balanced portrayals of Latinos in the media and the enhancement of the Latino
image in the entertainment industry. The show is an example of how inclusion strengthens the
entertainment industry, just as diversity strengthens our country.

The show is presented with the support of sponsors and advertisers. Confirmed Presenting Sponsors for
2008 include Chevy and Target. Gold Sponsors are AT&T, Johnson & Johnson, Frito-Lay/PepsiCo, and
Prudential. Silver Sponsors include American Airlines, Bank of America, Bud Light, ConAgra Foods,
M&M’s, McDonald’s, State Farm Insurance Companies, Verizon, and Wachovia. Key media partners for
the 2008 ALMA Awards include our Gold Level partners AOL Latino and MTV3, and our Silver Level
partner Latina Magazine.

This year, the executive producers are Michael Levitt, Janet Murguía, Eva Longoria Parker, and David
Chavez. For more information on the 2008 NCLR ALMA Awards®, please visit www.almaawards.com.

The 75th annual Fiesta Mexicana is wrapping up at the Topeka, Kansas’ Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish this weekend. One of the festival’s most dedicated performers will be playing with her band Mariachi Estrella at Sunday’s closing mass. Teresa Cuevas is 88 years old, and hasn’t missed a Fiesta in 70 years–even after her musical career was nearly cut short by a terrible accident. “*

Latino Expo USA Features Free Services on Health, Housing, and Citizenship, Plus Celebrity Appearances and Giveaways to the San Diego Community

San Diego, CA – Families in the San Diego area can enjoy diverse activities that are free and open to the public from Saturday, July 12 to Monday, July 14 at Latino Expo USA, presented at the 2008 National Council of La Raza (NCLR) Annual Conference. NCLR is the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States. These events kick off with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, July 12 at the San Diego Convention Center.

Latino Expo USA is a free, family-friendly expo with fun activities and informative exhibit booths and fairs. At Latino Expo USA, the whole family can enjoy games, raffles, prizes, live music, dancing, food, and product giveaways, as well as receive information from more than 200 exhibitors. Children—and grownups—can pose for photos with favorite TV characters, including Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer, PBS’ Maya and Miguel, Sea World’s Shamu the Whale, and the San Diego Padres’ mascot, the Swinging Friar. There will be a Kids’ Trail sponsored by McDonald’s that will lead children and their families to child-friendly booths and a showcase of San Diego’s emerging talent to find the next generation of Latino superstars.

Saturday will kick off with the NCLR Diabetes Dash, a 5k run/walk (3.1 miles) that aims to strengthen public awareness of diabetes. NCLR Affiliate San Ysidro Health Center, Inc. will bring out their mobile health unit and a representative from the American Diabetes Association will join to share information on diabetes prevention techniques and programs, and offer diabetes screenings. The race is open to all and free registration is available at www.nclr.org/diabetesdash. On-site registration opens at 5:30 a.m. at the San Diego Embarcadero, behind the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina. The race begins at 7:00 a.m. Arrive earlier for the warm-up led by the U.S. Marine Corps. A free commemorative T-shirt will be available to all Dash participants.

On Saturday and Sunday, Latino Expo USA will also feature the Housing Fair and Health Fair. The Housing Fair offers free credit reports and other expert resources to families seeking information and counseling on such topics as establishing credit, qualifying and applying for mortgage loans, and finding ways to refinance mortgage payments. The Health Fair features bilingual health professionals, free health screenings, information on access to health programs and services, and family health tips. The free health screenings will check blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels, and test for HIV/AIDS, among other health factors. Univision Communications, Inc. will also be helping attendees register for digital converter boxes for the upcoming digital transition out of their booth.

Also on Saturday, NCLR, in collaboration with the national campaign ya es hora ¡Ciudadanía! and ConAgra Foods, will host a free citizenship application session for the first 500 eligible legal permanent residents. Sunday will also feature a free HOME Clinic to help local families find ways to mitigate the effects of the mortgage crisis. Lawyers and financial experts will provide counseling and services to participants at no charge. Finally, Monday’s focus is on recruitment opportunities and will feature a special list of exhibitors who will have Human Resources staff on hand to answer career-related questions and share information about opportunities.

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT:	Fun events at the 2008 Latino Expo USA, presented by NCLR
ADMISSION:	FREE Parking at the San Diego Convention Center is $8.00.
WHERE:	San Diego Convention Center / Hall D 111 West Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101
WHEN:	Saturday and Sunday (July 12-13)10:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m., and Monday, July 14 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:30-5:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12 Diabetes Dash, 7:00 a.m., San Diego Embarcadero 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. (registration and warm-up at 5:30 – 7:00 a.m.) FREE Citizenship Application Session 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. / Hall C Latino Expo USA Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, featuring Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer, PBS’s Maya and Miguel, and Shamu the Whale. 10:15 – 10:30 a.m. / Hall D Latino Expo USA Health and Housing Fairs 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. / Hall D San Diego Padres’ Third Baseman, Kevin ‘Kooz’ Kouzmanoff, Autograph Signing Noon – 1:00 p.m. / Hall D at the Entertainment Stage Talent Showcase, featuring local San Diego talent, DJs, and personalities, and Magic 92.5 FM’s ‘Xavier the X-Man’. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. / Hall D at the Entertainment Stage, hosted by Sí TV, Magic 92.5 FM, and Z-90 FM Sunday, July 13 HOME Clinic, a foreclosure prevention clinic featuring a series of workshops by housing counselors and financial services experts including Julie Stav, presented with the support of State Farm Insurance Co. 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. / Hall C 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. / Hall C Mariachi Music and Dance Extravaganza, featuring local San Diego talent hosted by Recuerdo 102.9FM and La Nueva 106.5 FM 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. / Hall D at the Entertainment Stage Monday, July 14 Career Day, featuring Human Resources staff ready to answer questions and accept résumés for open positions (see list at entrance for participating exhibitors/recruiters) 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:30-5:00 p.m. / Hall D

JOIN THE FUN AT THE LATINO EXPO USA, PRESENTED BY NCLR!

It’s easy to make it to the 2008 NCLR Annual Conference and Latino Expo USA. Families can avoid parking fees by taking the MTS trolley or bus service to the San Diego Convention Center. On weekends, two children ages 12 and under can ride free with an adult who purchases a transportation ticket. Visit www.sdmts.com to learn more. For more information, visit www.nclr.org/latinoexpo.

“*

Violins and independent variables. Trumpets and sloping graphs. What do they have in common?
At Math Through Mariachi summer camp, about 100 young musicians are learning algebra to the tune of music notes. “*

The incomparable and famous TV conductor, Don Francisco, from the prime time Program “Sabado Gigante” that airs thru Univision Networks, has extended an invitation to our artist Jackie Arredondo to present for the first time to their International audience, her new single “Contra la Corriente”

Yes, this Saturday, June 14th , Jackie Arredondo and her Mariachi Band, will be singing her most recent recording in “Sabado Gigante”

Sabado Gigante airs thru Univision Networks each Saturday from 8:00 to 11:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Yahoo! Telemundo today announced its Top 10 Searches for the month ending May 31 (

Top Trends in Search for May include:

Top 10 Overall Searches
1. Tattoos
2. Dog breeds
3. Medicinal plants
4. How to clean a keyboard
5. Luis Miguel
6. Vicente Fernandez
7. International Day Against Homophobia
8. Chaitén volcano
9. Marilyn Monroe
10. Premature ejaculation

An eclectic mix of people, places and things dominated The Top 10 list of the most searched for on Yahoo! Telemundo with tattoos, dog breeds and medical plants earning the top three spots in May. Two of Mexico’s most famous singers were next on the list –Mexican megastar crooner Luis Miguel released his latest and much anticipated album “Cómplices,” earning him the number five slot on the Top Searches list. Cómplices became Miguel’s eighth No. 1 album and the most of any artist in Top Latin Albums chart’s history. The 38-year-old heartthrob is also reportedly separating from the mother of his one-year old child, Mexican actress Aracely Arambula. Legendary Vicente Fernandez, hailed as “el rey” of mariachi, can still sell tickets. In May, 68-year-old Vicente toured the U.S. to sold out crowds; no surprise that during Fernandez’s 40-year career, he has recorded close to 100 albums and starred in more than 20 Mexican films.

International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO), observed on May 17, marked the anniversary of an important step taken by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991 when it removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses. Unfortunately, prejudice remains deep-rooted, so IDAHO has now become an annual global campaign to rally people against all forms of homophobia, with events taking place from Turkey to Cuba in order to combat and eliminate the tragic consequences of homophobia. The Chaitén volcano in the southern Andes in Chile had been quiet for nearly 10,000 years before it suddenly erupted on May 2. The town of Chaitén was evacuated, and a column of ashes was released into the atmosphere. Smaller eruptions have followed daily, interrupting flights and adversely affecting agriculture and wildlife. Now experts warn that another, bigger explosion is possible and the area might become permanently unlivable because of the possibility of the volcano’s collapse.

Although she died in 1962, Marilyn Monroe has never ceased to be buzz worthy. This past month, a New York businessman claimed to have copy of a film allegedly held by the FBI, with Monroe allegedly engaged in a sex act with a man whose face could not be seen. Of course it ended up a hoax, but the buzz on the web had reached the point where the FBI issued its denial. The iconic sex symbol would have turned 82 on June 1st.

Rounding off the Top 10 — On May 19th The International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) formally unveiled a written definition for “premature ejaculation”, or PE - the bane of millions of men worldwide - at the 103rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).

Top 10 Image Searches
1. Screen savers
2. Naruto
3. Jennifer Love Hewitt
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
5. Mafalda
6. Miley Cyrus
7. Hello Kitty
8. Ovnis
9. Anime
10. Iron man

Screensavers nabbed the number one slot again for the most searched image category in May, but overall, pop-culture figures and cartoons ruled this category with Naruto and anime hanging on strong. The popular Japanese anime character, Naruto, has become a global phenomenon with kids the world over. Not to be outdone, the iconic Latin American comic strip heroine “Mafalda” also earned a top spot in images as a “Mafalda” exhibit opened its doors in Tokyo last month to rave reviews. And to round out the Japanese anime theme of Yahoo! Top images — beloved Hello Kitty, who was number 7 on this month’s image search — was named a goodwill envoy to represent Japan in China and Hong Kong. Sticking to the pop-culture theme for May, UFO photos were heavily sought after, as well as images of the blockbuster film “Iron Man,” based on the retro Marvel comic.

Recent photos of two Hollywood beauties, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Miley Cyrus, caused a stir this month. Love Hewitt’s curvy beach body was the subject of recent paparazzi scrutiny for being called “fat.” Teen sensation Cyrus came close to quitting show business following the fuss surrounding her provocative Vanity Fair photos. Her wholesome image has come under fire since the photos were released this past month.

Top 10 WomenSearches
1. Jessica Alba
2. Jennifer Lopez
3. Aracely Arambula
4. Megan Fox
5. Kate Moss
6. Maria Sharapova
7. Katie Holmes
8. Naomi Watts
9. Valeria Mazza
10. Fergie

The most searched for Women on Yahoo! Telemundo for the month of May were gorgeous celebrities such as new moms, Jessica Alba and Argentine supermodel Valeria Mazza. Luis Miguel’s soon-to-be ex, Aracely Arambula was the No. 3 most searched for, followed by super-babe Megan Fox of Transformers fame, who was recently voted as the number one sexiest woman in the world by readers of FHM magazine. British mega-model Kate Moss, tennis champ Maria Sharapova, Oscar-nominated actress Naomi Watts and Mrs. Tom Cruise - Katie Holmes– were all popular faces to search for this month as was three-time Grammy Award winner pop-star Fergie, who performs the theme song to the new “Sex and the City” movie.

Every month the Yahoo! Telemundo Top 10 Searches showcases the diverse interests and concerns of U.S. Hispanics around the net, from gorgeous celebrity sightings and salacious political news to funny jokes and the latest consumer obsessions. The monthly list includes a recap of the Top 10 Overall Searches, Top 10 Image Searches and Top 10 Searches in a revolving category, which changes monthly. To come up with the Yahoo! Top Searches list, Yahoo! scans anonymous query logs from Yahoo! Search across a variety of categories to see what themes and trends bubble up to the surface. Individual searches are never used to develop these lists. For more information on Yahoo! Telemundo’s Top 10 Searches, visit www.yahootelemundo.com/lomasbuscado.

“*

This extra virgin olive oil, Fairway’s house brand Mexican Mission, made entirely from Mission olives on a small estate near Ensenada in Baja California, is about as subtle as a mariachi band. It is sunny, fairly viscous and green, with substantial olive and sage flavors.”*

Univision, Telemundo, V-Me and other Hispanic television networks and media will showcase fall programming at the first annual Texas Hispanic Upfront June 5, offering marketing, advertising and multimedia packages for ad agencies and major corporations. Spanish-language cable networks ESPN Deportes, Fox Sports en Español and MTV3 will join national broadcast networks to offer a comprehensive programming lineup to the local advertising community.The Texas Hispanic Upfront is historic because it’s the first time the national television networks are presenting their fall schedule outside of New York City, where national TV Upfronts are typically held as independent events. The American Marketing Association and SAVisión, its Hispanic Marketing arm, are sponsoring the Texas Hispanic Upfront.

“Potential advertisers and marketers can learn about the new media options that can help them advertise their brands more effectively,” said SAVisión Chair Diane Huth. “The Upfront will provide great savings through Upfront media packages offering unique sponsorship and early-commitment rates previously available only to attendees at the New York Upfronts.”

More than 400 local and regional advertising and marketing executives will be attending, as well as TV network executives, producers, ad agencies, marketing firms, advertisers, and major corporations. “This historic Upfront offers access to information to the local advertising community, allowing local clients and agencies to take advantage of great savings and unique ad and sponsorship opportunities not previously available to them. It also provides a fabulous overview of the market and media options to general market advertisers who may not be well informed of the importance, dynamics and media offerings that can help them to effectively communicate to the large and growing Hispanic market.”

• Attendees will gain new insights about the size and dynamics of the large and rapidly growing Hispanic market and media options available to reach them, both nationally and in Texas.
• Attendees will be exposed to innovative new programming options that will debut with the fall TV season, and have the opportunity to sponsor programs, make cost-effective “Upfront” media buys or even place their brands on-air in co-production agreements.
• Attendees are provided with an unprecedented opportunity to meet and speak with leading network executives face-to-face to express opinions, seek information and propose partnership programs.
• Sponsors gain access to hundreds of affluent and influential customers who are active professionals working in the local marketing and advertising community.
• Entertainers are donating their services to gain exposure to scores of decision-makers who select spokespeople, soundtracks, music scores and performers for films, programs and commercials produced locally.

The Upfront will be held 5:30-10:30 p.m. Thursday, June 5, at the Scottish Rite Auditorium. At the Media Fair, scheduled 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., network representatives will meet one-on-one with potential advertisers. Network presentations follow in the theater.

Entertainment will be provided by popular Latin group Pochimex, Mariachi del Pueblo, harpist Juan Cabrera, and Mexican actress and singer, Rosalinda Risso, and the Trio Janítzio. Radio celebrity Sonny Melendrez will be the Master of Ceremonies.

Co-sponsors include The Advertising Federation of San Antonio (AdFed), the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC), The Association of Hispanic Ad Agencies (AHAA), and National Hispanic Professionals Organization (NHPO). HispanicAd.com, the leading online source of news and information for the Spanish-language advertising industry, is also a major sponsor.

Attendees will include leading media directors from key Hispanic ad agencies and marketing companies in the region who have agreed to form the Upfront Ad Council, assuring SAVisión organizers have the support of key agencies and advertisers.

More than 13 agencies with national Hispanic clients operate in the South Texas region, creating Spanish-language advertising for a host of iconic brands, including Burger King, Coors, Miller and Budweiser, Mazola Corn Oil, Fisher-Price Toys, Coca Cola, Procter and Gable, Unilever, Dial, Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Bureau, and many more. The region also is home to many large corporations, including AT&T, Dell, HEB, and Republic National Distributing Company, all with extensive Hispanic ad programs.

Additional event sponsors include HEB, Republic National Distributing Company, Brown-Forman (distiller of Jack Daniels), Absolutely Everything Catering, Accu-Print, Marie Ferrante (graphic designer), Wickley Advertising, TMS Total Media Solutions, The Wedding Connection, and many other companies who have donated goods and services to ensure the event’s success.

Ticket prices range from $45-$60. Proceeds of the Upfront fund college scholarships and internships for local marketing students.

Attendees can register on the SAVisión website, www.savision.org. For more information, contact Diane Huth, SAVisión Chair, 210-601-7852, dxhuth@valassis.com, or Scott Keeler, Upfront Chair, 210-859-6914, scott.keeler@citcomm.com.

“*

“Skateboarding and surfing have embraced and promoted the multicultural aspects of their sports,” NSAA headliner Guy Garcia told The Industry Report’s Paul Doherty. “That’s where I would be throwing my money.”

Garcia went well beyond his remarks from the platform - a presentation that elicited no questions or real buzz because it was essentially a summary of his new book, The New Mainstream: How the Multicultural Consumer is Transforming American Business.

Still, Garcia had plenty to say to the ski industry, but it took an exclusive interview with the IR after his speech to get it out. Garcia is a journalist, novelist, and multimedia entrepreneur and founder of Mentametrix, a multicultural research and marketing firm. He’s consulted with a number of major companies and trade groups, including Colorado Ski Country, USA. He was the AOL executive who launched the first iteration of AOL Latino. “*

And Saturday night, Vicente Fernandez, the undisputed king of mariachi and ranchera music, will turn the Rabobank Arena into his palace and fill it with some 10,000 of his local followers.

Tickets to the concert ceased to be available weeks ago. “It sold steadily from the day we went on sale (April 5),” said Shawn Brandon, the Rabobank’s director of marketing and sales. “Every single day we sold a ton of seats.””*

Barahona was one of 300 Hispanic students from the Austin school district who were honored Sunday at the annual Celebration of Hispanic Exemplary Academic Achievement.

Amid mariachi fanfare, the students and their families gathered at the Delco Center in Northeast Austin to receive awards for their success in academics and as campus leaders. The ceremony honored students with the best grades as well as those who have made strides in learning English.

“Over 50 percent of the kids in AISD are Hispanic,” said Martha Garcia, the district’s executive director of bilingual education and English as a second language. “We’re so happy to be here and honor these kids and their families. Family is a very important value for us as a culture.”"*

Pepe Aguilar’s Mexican pride is reflected in the title of his latest CD, “100% Mexicano.”

For Aguilar, one of the most popular commercial ranchera singers, the album, which won a Grammy last year for best Mexican-American/Mexican album, marks his return to “banda,” the regional Mexican music that launched his career in the early 1990s.

Aguilar had taken a hiatus from the style to focus on recording a variety of mariachi, but says it’s time to say it loud and say it proud.”*

In North Texas, mariachi groups ran music marathons Sunday, traveling from homes to churches – and even to a cemetery – to show North Texas mothers how much someone loves them.

“It’s something beautiful. It comes from our hearts, from our souls, from our feelings, from our culture,” said Hector Murillo, who plays trumpet with Dallas group Mariachi Jalisciense (as in Jalisco, the Mexican state that’s at the heart of mariachi music).

“The day seems long, but it’s really very short because we’re going from job to job to job and before you know it, the sun goes down and we’re still playing.”"*

Thousands of workers waved American flags, marched to mariachi music and rallied for labor and immigrant rights in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, as May Day gatherings drew light but peaceful crowds.

Turnout across Southern California and the nation was markedly lower than in the last few years, when millions of marchers in more than 100 cities hit the streets on May Day to urge a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants and other reforms.”*

The continued strength of Hispanic culture and traditions in the United States could prove a recipe for success for a Crowley couple-turned-business owners.

Michael and Suzelle Benavidez, a firefighter and instructional specialist, respectively, are the co-owners of The Mariachi Connection, a Fort Worth store offering clothing, musical instrumentals and all things mariachi and ballet folklórico, or Hispanic folk dance.

The couple, originally from Corpus Christi, opened the store March 1 at the behest of Josie Benavidez, Michael’s sister-in-law, who opened the first Mariachi Connection in San Antonio about 11 years ago.”*

The mere mention of Cinco de Mayo sends Laura Diaz Brown, aka Chef LaLa, into party-planning mode. The owner of Savor! Catering celebrates with family and friends providing plenty of fabulous food and mariachi music at her home in Agoura.

She suggests serving Chicken or Beef Fajitas (pan grill them), Chile Colorado (you don’t have to worry about overcooking it), Guacamole (mild and spicy versions), a variety of salsas, refried beans, Margatinis”*

Triumphant horns and singing violins competed with school bells and intercom announcements Wednesday in Bryant-Webster school as the student mariachi group prepared for its biggest performance ever.

The all-student group, Mariachi Juvenil, will perform two songs tonight with the Colorado Symphony at Boettcher Hall in a free concert to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

“I’m excited, but I’m nervous,” said Elizabeth Nuñez, a 13-year-old seventh-grader who plays violin. “I just hope it comes out all right.”"*