KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance is hosting a community event celebrating the rich cultural heritage of music and dance from Mexico.
Mariachi Day at UNK is scheduled for April 21 in the Fine Arts Recital Hall on campus.
The daylong event features performances by Mariachi Zapata of Omaha, with dancing by Grupo Folklorico Belleza de Nuestra Tierra, as well as educational sessions focusing on the history and performance practices of mariachi. Juan Ramón Hernandez and UNK alumna Ana Rodriguez will lead presentations.
Mariachi Zapata has been performing for more than 30 years. The group has been nominated for multiple Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards, winning the best world music category in 2018.
“Experiencing the performing arts of a variety of cultures allows us to become rich in our understanding of the world,” said Beth Mattingly, associate professor of music at UNK and co-organizer of the event. “Mariachi music reflects the vibrant culture of Mexico, and we are delighted to offer this opportunity to celebrate the Latinx culture found in the state of Nebraska.”
Mariachi Day at UNK is free and open to the public.
EVENT SCHEDULE
9 a.m. – Introduction to Mariachi Music – Juan Ramón Hernandez
10 a.m. – History of Mariachi Music – Mariachi Zapata
11 a.m. – Instruments of Mariachi Music – Mariachi Zapata
1:30 p.m. – Folklorico Dance with Mariachi Music – Ana Rodriguez
3 p.m. – Concert with Mariachi Zapata and Grupo Folklorico Belleza de Nuestra Tierra
Latin Fair Festival
The celebration continues with a Latin Fair Festival scheduled for 5:30 to 9 p.m. that day in the Nebraskan Student Union Ponderosa Room.
Sponsored by United in Dance, the Hispanic Student Association and Office of Intercultural Engagement and Leadership, that event features live music from Norteño Banda Oro y Plata and performances by United in Dance, a student organization that promotes and celebrates the diverse traditions of dance and culture on campus.
There will also be souvenir T-shirts, popcorn and cotton candy. The Latin Fair Festival is free to attend.
