The night was filled with laughter, dance, authentic Mexican food and tons of music to last all evening. “An Evening with Mariachis” was held Sept. 12 on campus in the Outdoor Theater here on campus.
The Chicano/Latino Business Club hosted the event for the eleventh consecutive year in a row. The event was put on to bring Bakersfield’s Latino community together, to remember the Independence Day of Mexico (Mexico’s Independence Day is Sept. 16) to appreciate culture, and just to bring families together. People ranging from kindergartners to adults seemed to enjoy the night of music and dance.
Bakersfield College President Dr. Sandra Serrano was in attendance.
“I enjoyed the night. I have been a part of the Mariachi festival for 11 years. “I particularly enjoy the folklorico dancers, since I used to do it as a child. I really overall think this night is just a great night to reach out to the community and bring them together,” she said.
Performances included Mariachi groups, folklorico dancing, speakers, and several BC alumni singing along.
Abel Nunez has performed at the event for three years.
“I have been performing since the age of 5,” he said. “I’ve been around this music for many years. My family is from Jalisco, Mexico, so it’s something I just kind of grew up with. I really enjoy performing this particular night. When ever they invite me I am more than happy to come.”
Besides Nunez, three different mariachi groups also entertained. Mariachi Tenampa, Mariachi San Marcos and Mariachi Alma de Mexico played with different sounds. The key group of the night was one that came all the way from Los Angeles to perform, “Mariachi Alma de Mexico.”
Juan Gonzalez, a member of “Mariachi Alma de Mexico,” has played with the group since its inception. This is his third year playing at the BC event.
“Everytime I come here I really enjoy it because, it’s really just a crowd pleaser night,” Gonzalez said. “The crowd has for the most part never heard of any of the groups so, the purpose of the night is really just to please the crowd, and let them enjoy our music.”
The finale brought each of the mariachi groups’ different styles together to create a master sound. Also performing in that grand finale were the folklorico dancers, Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli, who helped put the finishing touch on an evening of music.