Barry Fotheringham
barry@barryfotheringham.com
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Ability Realty
7360 E. 22nd Street
Tucson, AZ 85710
(800) 528-0626 Toll Free
(520) 721-6365 Fax
Contact me by email at:
barry@barryfotheringham.com
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TUCSON MARIACHI FESTIVAL
Mariachi took root so long ago and in such a loosely formulated way that it’s history is not really traceable. That’s part of the fascination of the art. It is believed that it began in Europe, perhaps with the troubadours and went with the early explorers to Mexico, where it met the South American music that had traveled north and combined with some of the music brought from Africa with the slaves. The result is one of Barry’s favorite venues.
The music is alive and bright and the variety of stringed instruments from a type of viola, violins, guitars, bass fiddles and even harps to the brass trumpets blend into a sound that is truly unique.
And there is the singing. Many of the musicians sing although some groups have singers. It creates the kind of sounds that can give you goose bumps. It is so sincere and yet so basic. It has a charm that is only mariachi.
Then there are the costumes. Originally the groups wore the garb of the peasants, as that is what many of them were. Then came the Mexican Revolution of 1910. The performers suddenly had more control over their lives and more money to spend. They began to take on the look of the aristocrat particularly the gentlemen riders. Today the outfits seen in the mariachi festivals and competition are magnificent. Often tight black or white pants and shirts and vests with embellishments of lace, silver, gold and even precious gems. The large sombreros (wide brimmed hats) complete the look. One group can fill a stage even though there might not be more that six or eight musicians.
If you are not familiar with mariachis, give yourself a chance to attend a concert or watch for a mariachi special on PBS or another such TV station. We have found that the more we watch their performances the more we love the music, the singing (although it is usually in Spanish), the color and the drama. If you know the history it makes watching the mariachis even more enjoyable.
Plan to be in Tucson April 20-24. Some of the world famous groups will be here as well as hundreds of students of the art who attend workshops given by some of the top mariachi musicians in the world. Armory Park is the setting for the last day festivities. From dawn to dusk you are surrounded with people who have come to hear the music, enjoy the singing and wonder at the color and excitement that is mariachi.
For more information: 520-884-9920 or
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