RodriGram - April 25, 2009

Saturday April 25, 2009
Volume 2, Number 4

Rodri

Rodri J. Roddriguez
President & CEO

I actually had to use my calculator to confirm that it has indeed been 20 years since we gave birth to this amazing gathering to celebrate family, pride and tradition. Not even the recession is keeping fans away from our 20th celebration and for this we are grateful and promise you a fabulous 4 ½ hours of non-stop entertainment! I am so very pleased to announce that our 20th Annual MARIACHI USA Festival line up represents a plethora of exceptional artists, all equally talented with unique styles and histories. From musicians to dancers, all of our performers are rehearsing for June 20th to celebrate 20 years of history!

Those of us who produce the show have a treasure chest of very different memories…lost luggage, lost musicians, fireworks going off in the daytime,

going on stage with 2 different colors of shoes, faulty wardrobe, even mariachis falling in love backstage…AY AY AY etc.etc.etc.

But each of who attend the Festival has your own memories and photos that tell the story so we’re inviting you to share them…from marriage proposals to MUSA Babies.

If I may impart a thought for the month…At the worst and best of times keep in mind to trust that you are where you need to be, learn the lesson, make adjustments and move ahead. Always my best to you and yours!

Celebrate the Memories of the Past 20 Years

Send us your photos taken at our previous Festivals. Selected photos will appear on the big screens during the show. Send images to musaphotos@rodri.com. Deadline for photo submission is June 5, 2009.

Join us for an all day Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Tuesday May 5 at La Fonda on Wilshire. Arrive early and enjoy our Fiesta Hour starting at 3 p.m. featuring hourly drink specials. Meet the Hacienda Vieja Tequila Girls and win fun prizes. Plus, Live Lounge performances by our very own Mariachi Monumental de America.

Make your dinner reservations by calling 213-380-5053 or visit www.lafondala.com We are taking Mother’s Day reservations for both Saturday May 9 and Sunday, May 10.

Sponsor Highlights

AeroMexico is offering excellent promotions and discounts on routes in and out of Mexico, plus attractive benefits for their Club Premier members. Visit AeroMexico.com to choose a Club Premier plan that best suits your travel needs. Fly easy, fly comfortable, fly AeroMexico, Latin America’s global airline.

55 Days Left to the 20th Annual MARIACHI USA FESTIVAL

Sponsored By

55 Days Left to the 20th Annual MARIACHI USA FESTIVAL

Featuring
Mariachi Internacional Guadalajara - Mariachi Campanas de America
Mariachi Los Arrieros del Valle - Mariachi Mujer 2000
Mariachi Monumental de America
Mariachi Imperial de Mexico - The MARIACHI USA All Starz

Special Guests
Los Panchos

Saturday June 20, 2009 Hollywood Bowl

Box seats are selling out…don’t wait ‘til it’s too late!
800-MARIACHI www.mariachiusa.com

Q & A with Mariachi Mujer 2000

Q: What emotions surface when you play on the same stage as the Beatles, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Luciano Pavarotti, Henry Mancini, and Leonard Bernstein?

A: Since Mujer 2000’s inception there have been opportunities to play some great venues. However, the stage at the Hollywood Bowl holds such presence that it’s always a ‘rush’ and a true honor to be stepping foot on the same stage as so many greats in the music industry.

Q: What does MARIACHI USA represent in the Mariachi world?

A: MARIACHI USA has allowed us to bridge the gap between genres and has allowed mariachi music to be put on a similar pedestal as salsa, rock-n-roll and even pop music.

Q: What is your fondest memory of the Festival?

A: One personal favorite is playing the Finale for the first time on the stage with all the groups playing together, fireworks blasting away. Darkness goes away in the night as the fireworks light up the entire Bowl; the audience expresses amazement not only in their faces but with their very audible “oohs” and “ahs.” An unforgettable experience whether you are on stage playing or in the audience listening and watching, the MARIACHI USA Finale is the only one of its kind in the mariachi festival circuit.

Another personal favorite is when in 1990 Rodri gave tribute to the female mariachi musician, inviting women mariachi musicians of all ages to come perform on stage together, from pioneers to newest generations.

Q: How has the Festival impacted your career?

A: So many people are impressed with a group that has performed on the world-famous Hollywood Bowl stage, but even more impressed with a group of mariachis hand-selected to represent Mexican at such an important venue.

Q: What is your opinion of the MARIACHI USA fans at the Bowl?

A: The best energy, enthusiasm and a passion for the music we love most!

Q: How has the Festival impacted youth?

A: Again, our youth witness firsthand that mariachi music is embraced at this unique professional venue and respected by an international audience. As a result, the youth strive to improve their own skills and begin to dream of a day when too can possibly perform for this festival.

Q: Anything funny happen to you at the Festival?

A: One year, it was 106 degrees on stage and the soles of my boots melted from standing on the very hot, black Hollywood Bowl stage! Also, during the Finale, you have to dodge the fireworks shooting across the stage! And the turntable - while you begin playing the stage literally jerks suddenly and rotates your group towards the audience. I’ve seen many lose their balance! But now there is a new stage and a new turntable so it’s not as challenging as the ‘old days.’ Now that I think of it, so many of us mariachi musicians have grown up on that stage!
Rodri, you have worked very hard to successfully prove to the world that mariachi music and its musicians deserve to perform on such a prestigious venue as the Hollywood Bowl. Thank you for your tenacity, professionalism, and sincere dedication to our art form. Felicidades en tu 200 aniversario!