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News • New Mexico • United States • 2012-10-30

19th Annual Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference Celebrates New Mexico Centennial and the Tradition of the Charro

As the Centennial celebrations continue throughout the Land of Enchantment, Las Cruces prepares once again to welcome musicians and dancers from all across the U.S. and Mexico. The 19th Annual Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference will take place Nov. 14 - 18, 2012 at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces.

This year\'s lineup for the Spectacular Concert includes featured vocalist Ezequiel Peña, Las Colibrí, a popular all-female group from Los Angeles, and Mariachi Cobre from Orlando, Florida, who are returning to the Las Cruces conference for the 19th year in a row. The Spectacular Concert takes place Saturday, November 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the Pan American Center.

\"We are excited that our 19th Annual LCIMC pays tribute to our enchanted state of New Mexico and its centennial,\" said Phyllis Franzoy, director of the conference. \"Our diverse culture and heritage are impacted by the traditions of Mexico and the \'charro.\'\"

Headliner Ezequiel Peña was born in San José del Valle, Nayarit, Mexico, located near Puerto Vallarta. In 1985 he arrived in California and worked odd jobs including gardening, carpeting and eventually as a trucker. In 1987, he won an amateur singing contest, which led to recording three albums with \"Banda Vallarta Show\", and served as the launching point of his career.

In 1990, Peña began performing with mariachis, and he included horses in his act. His performances as both charro and singer delighted his audiences and brought awareness of Mexican folklore.

Peña has been a career performer for 23 years now, and he has recorded 23 albums, some of which were produced by famous Mexican vocalist Marco Antonio Solis. Peña has received many awards for these albums, including a 2007 Latin Grammy Nomination for Best Banda Album for \"A Mucha Honra.\"

In 2008, he was named the \"Ambassador of the Spanish Horse in the Americas.\" The city of Cuahtla, Jalisco erected a statue of Peña and named its main street in honor of the performer. Peña\'s latest album, \"Sin Censura,\" includes songs performed with both banda and mariachi, and the title song in a pop style.

\"Ezequiel Peña celebrates the traditions of the charro with his musical performance,\" Franzoy said. \"We invite the community to join us in this celebration of music and dance.\"

Tickets are now available for the 19th Annual Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference\'s Student Showcase, Friday, Nov. 16, and Spectacular Concert, Saturday, Nov. 17. For Spectacular Concert ticket information, call Ticketmaster at (575) 646-1420, or go to www. ticketmaster.com. For Student Showcase tickets, call the LCIMC office at (575) 525-1735, or go to www.lascrucesmariachi.org.

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