Renowned Latin performers support innovative mariachi music curriculum at Chicago Public Schools
CHICAGO, Oct. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Mexican icon Aida Cuevas and Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles will perform a world-class benefit concert on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at Chicago's Auditorium Theatre. The concert proceeds will support the Mariachi Heritage Foundation's mariachi education programs taught in Chicago Public Schools (CPS).
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141020/153180
Five elementary schools are participating in the inaugural class of the Mariachi Heritage Foundation's standards-based program, which was introduced in September as part of the general curriculum.
Tickets for the event begin at $27 and are available at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (800-982-ARTS), the National Museum of Mexican Art and via Ticketmaster.
The extraordinary benefit concert features Mexican singer Aida Cuevas, known as the "Queen of Ranchera Music." The Latin Grammy winning singer has released 36 albums, selling more than 8 million copies. Her unique voice and style have allowed her to cultivate a successful career spanning decades, leaving a remarkable imprint in the history of Mexican music.
The women of co-headliner Mariachi Reyna captivate audiences across the United States and Mexico with their warm musicality and interpretation of Mexico's musical heritage. America's first all-female mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Reyna members are second, third and even sixth generation mariachis.
Mariachi legend Jose Hernandez created Mariachi Reyna in 1994. An ambassador of traditional Mexican music, Hernandez came to Chicago earlier this year to train CPS' dedicated mariachi music teachers. The mariachi classes are held during the school day, four days per week. Dozens of schools are on a waiting list for the program.
"Mariachi education programs engage students and their families in a meaningful way," says Cesar Maldonado, founder of the Mariachi Heritage Foundation. "The opportunity for cultural enrichment and educational achievement will have a tremendous impact on our children."
"We're grateful for the support of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CPS leadership and we're thrilled to present this outstanding concert at the Auditorium Theatre, itself a National Historic Landmark," says Maldonado.
The Mariachi Heritage Foundation benefit concert is part of the National Museum of Mexican Art 2014 Sor Juana Festival honoring Mexico's great poet and philosopher.
About Mariachi Heritage Foundation
The Mariachi Heritage Foundation was founded in 2013 to expand mariachi music education at CPS. The K-12 grade standards-based mariachi music program is the first of its kind in Chicago, allowing students to meet general music requirements through a structured curriculum in mariachi performance taught as part of the regular school day.
The following schools are participating in the 2014-2015 program: Gary Elementary, Davis Elementary, Hurley Fine and Performing Arts Magnet Cluster, Edwards Elementary, and Calmeca Academy. For more information, contact Magali Rangel at Email or (773) 766-5145. Connect with the Mariachi Heritage Foundation via Facebook at www.facebook.com/MariachiHeritageFoundation.
Media Contact:
For Mariachi Heritage Foundation: Diane Laux 630-921-2150 Email