Professionalism stands out at international mariachi conference

The Tucson-based Mariachi Sonido de Mexico performs during the opening show of the Tucson International Mariachi Conference.
Photos by GARY GAYNOR/Tucson Citizen

DANIEL BUCKLEY
Tucson Citizen
April 23, 2003
The Mervyn's Tucson International Mariachi Conference got off to a blazing start with its first professional battle of the bands and its first showcase for a top-flight folklórico group - Ballet Folklórico de la Universidad de Colima.
Nearly 2,000 whistling, grito-shouting fans packed the Desert Diamond Casino last night, and what a show they got! The mariachi competition pitted six bands against one another, with members ranging from elementary school-aged kids to guys in their 40s. They were judged on such criteria as showmanship, musical performance, stature, trajes (the suit of the mariachi) and traditional style. Group after group, they showed a level of commitment and professionalism that spoke volumes of the current state of mariachi music.
Three Tucson groups took top honors in the competition, and as one of the judges, I can tell you it was a tough call for all of us. In the end, Mariachi Tapatio took first place, followed by Mariachi Sonido de Mexico in second and Mariachi Herencia de Mexico in third. All three had powerful front line singers, worked superbly in ensemble, had crack rhythm sections and boasted confident showmanship.
For my money, what made last night especially noteworthy was the participation of Ballet Folklórico de la Universidad de Colima. For years, the conference's Espectacular has showcased the world's foremost ranchera singers and mariachis. Last night was the first time the folklórico arm of the tradition got the respect it deserves. The two are, after all, inseparable. The music was made for dancing as much as singing.

Anisette Noperi and Mariachi Sonido de Mexico got a standing ovation for their performance last night.

The stage was a little cramped to give sway to the full effect of these dancers, and short rehearsal time with the backing group (again Mariachi Tapatio, and ably so) created some less than fluid moments. The slippery stage was a challenge to the young dancers and the short stage time by necessity limited the stylistic range of the group, which has in its repertoire a broad range of regional styles.
The level of professionalism of these young dancers was remarkable. Their footfalls became a part of the music, with clacking heels reinforcing and acting as counterpoint to the rhythmic thrust of each tune. The costumes were superb, from colorful, ribbon-bedecked dresses that flew with the musical surges to the manly trajes of the charro - the gentlemen cowboy of Mexico.
More than mere movement and choreography, there was a spirit to these performers. Their faces lit with broad smiles from the moment the music began, while a smoldering beauty and innocent romance permeated each couple's interaction. If you missed their performance, catch them at the Espectacular concert Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Tucson Convention Center Arena.
Both the competition and the folklórico event are new features worth continuing.