Mariachi fest draws nation's best

It's that time again when skirts whirl and young musicians and dancers fill themselves to the brim with mariachi dreams.
The onset of the 19th annual Bank One Tucson International Mariachi Conference means that the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church, is once again ground zero for a weeklong celebration of Mexican culture. Some 1,000 students will huddle with the masters to learn basic to advanced technique in guitar, guitarrón, violin, trumpet, vihuela, harp, voice and various baile folklórico dance techniques.
Then on April 26 at 7 p.m., these young players will show off what they've learned in the Mariachi Showcase concert in the TCC Music Hall. It's a mere $8.75 through Ticketmaster (321-1000).
Of course, the main event is the Espectacular Concert on April 27 at 7:30 p.m., this year featuring returning champions Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano plus a gaggle of newcomers. Headliner Herencia Mexicana is a group comprised of the sons and daughters of some of the greatest mariachi and Mexican music stars of all time. Joining them are the all-female Mariachi Mujer 2000, Mariachi Juvenil de Tecalitlán, a group founded by the sons of several of the original members of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, plus American group Mariachi Los Arrieros, known as much for its teaching ability as for their first-class showmanship. Tickets are $21-$76 through Ticketmaster.
And don't forget to get on down to Armory Park April 28 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the free Fiesta de Garibaldi event with live performances by many of the same mariachis and folklórico performers who headlined in the previous nights.
For more information, visit the Bank One Tucson International Mariachi Conference website at www.tucsonmariachi.org or call 884-9920.