Looking for events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? There are different types of events in Austin that celebrate the diverse music, food and activities from various entities. (Read more below about the history of Hispanic Heritage Month that begins September 15th annually.)
Hispanic Heritage Month can be celebrated with a very special night benefiting Mariachi Para Todos at the Long Center on Sunday, September 15th from 7 – 9 pm featuring Haydn Vitera’s Mariachi Rock Revolution and Mariachi Clasico, plus special guests Rick Trevino and Ruben Ramos. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to support the expansion of Austin Soundwaves’ Mariachi Para Todos, an intergenerational program that provides a hands-on experience playing traditional mariachi music.
Mariachi Rock Revolution (MRR) is the brainchild of Grammy-nominated Austin Latino Rocker/Electric Violinist Hayden Vitera. The show is a rock-fueled, mariachi-infused spectacle of sight and sound celebrating the tradition of mariachi through an unprecedented fusion with modern rock and electronica. https://tequilarockrevolution.com/home#about
The unprecedented combination of Vitera’s Latin fusion supergroup Mariachi Rock Revolution (MRR) and Austin favorite Mariachi Clasico is sure to energize, excite and inspire. The two groups will perform separately and together with a setlist that includes MRR’s revved-up Mariachi classics, traditional numbers by Mariachi Clasico and special appearances by Grammy winners Ruben Ramos and Rick Trevino.
Since launching his solo career in 2005, 2-time Grammy Nominee, former Asleep At The Wheel fiddle player, Austin Latino Rocker/Electric Violinist Haydn Vitera has made his mark sharing the stage with headliners as diverse as Grammy winners Los Lonely Boys, Rock En Español pioneers Los Enanitos Verdes and 80’s rock legends Dokken. Vitera has been featured as a soloist on stage with the legendary George Strait and the iconic Stevie Wonder. MRR has captivated audiences in theaters, performing arts centers and live music venues around the country. MRR was an official SXSW Artist in 2022.
Vitera is excited to be playing again with Rick Trevino who he credits with giving him his first big break at age 23 when he hired Vitera for his touring band in 1997. And again, introducing him to performing Mariachi for the first time when he was invited to play with Campanas De America on a record label showcase for Trevino in 2000. MRR performs a cover of the famous Javier Solis song “Ojitos Traidores” based on Trevino’s version from the 2005 Los Super Seven album “Heard It On The X.” And legendary American Tejano performer Ruben Ramos’s granddaughter Jessica is a member of Mariachi Clasico, the traditional ensemble collaborating with MRR on September 15th.
Mariachi Classico was established in 2019 and combines traditional musical style with clean harmonies, delivering top performances that are both pleasing to the ear as well as the eye. Composed of both male and female veteran mariachis, they have delighted audiences both small and large, and were honored to accompany Ana Gabriel on her local stop with the “Por Amor A Ustedes” World Tour.
Mariachi Rock Revolution travels to other states to perform, so this is an excellent opportunity to hear them perform live in their hometown, plus support an Austin based music organization.
Join Mariachi Rock Revolution and guests for an unforgettable night supporting the Austin Mariachi community and celebrating Mexican music and culture. Tickets range from $25 to $55 and are available from the Long Center at https://thelongcenter.org/events/mariachi-rock-revolution/
About Austin Soundwaves’ Mariachi Para Todos: Austin Soundwaves serves student musicians across the greater Austin area, providing diverse opportunities for learners of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. We support orchestra, band, mariachi, and general music in grades K-12 during the school day. https://www.austinsoundwaves.org/about-austin-soundwaves We lead afterschool programming such as Mariachi Para Todos, an intergenerational ensemble made up of students ages 10-55+.” https://www.austinsoundwaves.org/mariachi-para-todos
About Hispanic Heritage Month: Hispanic Heritage Month began as a commemorative week when it was first introduced in June of 1968 by California Congressman George E. Brown. The timing of Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of several Latin American nations. In 1987, U.S. Representative Esteban E. Torres of California proposed the expanding the observance to cover its current 31-day period. On September 14, 1989, President George H.W. Bush (who had been a sponsor of the original Hispanic Heritage Week resolution while serving in the House in 1968) became the first president to declare the 31-day period from September 15 to October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month. These are excerpts from the online article and it can be read at https://www.history.com/topics/hispanic-history/hispanic-heritage-month
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