Fest of flying feet, whirling skirts

Ballet Folklórico de la Universidad De Colima

DANIEL BUCKLEY
Tucson Citizen
April 17, 2003
The Mervyn's Tucson International Mariachi Conference starts this week with a brand new event designed to reconnect in a big way the mariachi with its dancing cousin.
This Tuesday, in a special event at Desert Diamond Casino, the Ballet Folklórico de la Universidad De Colima brings its skirt-twirling artistry to the conference for the first time. Founded in 1981 by Rafael Zamarripa Castañeda, the group has been honored with the "Group of Excellence" award of the International Council of Folk Festival Organizers, as well as "First prize of the Millennium" at the 31st World Folklore Festival and Competition in Italy."
For conference board president Delfina Alvarez, who met Rafael Zamarripa Castañeda years ago when she was a student of Tucson folklórico pioneer Angel Hernández, having the group perform in Tucson is a dream come true.
"He's a very, very famous artist in Mexico," she says. "He's a choreographer, a stage designer, folklórico instructor and a sculptor and a painter - the whole works. When I became the folklórico coordinator I had the bright idea of trying to fund him as one of our instructors. He's been one of our master instructors for a number of years now."
This will be the first time he'll be in Tucson with his group, or rather 20 dancers from the troupe. In all, his ensemble sports some 83 members, ranging from dancers to musicians and support workers. This group will feature 20 of his best dancers, supported in Tuesday night's concert by Tucson's Mariachi Tapatío, and at the Espectacular Concert April 25 by both Mariachi Cobre and Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano.
"Ever since I saw them I wanted to bring them in," conference coordinator Lolie Gomez says of the folklórico group. "Everything about what they do, they do with lots of feeling and expertise. They will be the instructors at every single workshop. It'll be wonderful because there's going to be at least four instructors per classroom."
That same event at Desert Diamond will feature local mariachis competing for a $1,000 purse in a battle of the bands. And during the day, from Wednesday until Friday, young mariachi and folklórico students will be learning from the masters in a series of workshops.
You may have noticed a name change this year. Last year Bank One let the conference know that it had decided to invest its advertising in other projects, and Mervyn's stepped in as the major sponsor, according to Alvarez.
"I think it's going to be a good workable relationship."
Next Thursday, April 24, the best kept secret of the mariachi conference takes place - the Student Showcase.
You just can't believe how many incredibly talented youngsters take part in this exciting event. It's a wonderful chance to see the great names of tomorrow in their formative years.
And there's plenty more ahead! Viva mariachi! Viva Tucson!

What: The Mervyn's Tucson International Mariachi Conference presents Ballet Folklórico de la Universidad De Colima and a Tucson mariachi "battle of the bands."
IF YOU GO
When: Tuesday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Desert Diamond Casino, 7350 S. Nogales Highway
Tickets: $20 through Desert Diamond Casino and the Mervyn's Tucson International Mariachi Conference office (838-3908).
What: The Mervyn's Tucson International Mariachi Conference presents the Student Participant Showcase concert
When: Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m.
Where: Tucson Convention Center Music Hall
Tickets: $9 at the door or by calling 838-3913.
What: The Mervyn's Tucson International Mariachi Conference mariachi and folklórico workshops
When: Wednesday, April 23-Friday, April 25
Where: Tucson Convention Center Exhibition Hall
For registration information: Contact Lolie Gomez, Conference Coordinator, at (520) 838-3908
Still to come:
What: The Mervyn's Tucson International Mariachi Conference Espectacular Concert, featuring headliner Pablo Montero, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano and Tucson's Mariachi Cobre.
When: Friday, April 25, $7:30 p.m.
Where: Tucson Convention Center Arena
Tickets: $26-$76, available through the TCC box office (791-4266) and the mariachi conference (520-838-3913)
What: The Mervyn's Tucson International Mariachi Conference presents Fiesta de Garibaldi - a free family celebration of Mexican culture, featuring live mariachi and folklórico ensembles, food booths and more.
When: Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Armory Park (South Sixth Avenue and 13th Street in downtown Tucson)
Admission: Free!