June 2022 Newsletter

We are halfway through 2022 in what seems like a blink of an eye. I am honored to announce LCAC has received our first National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Award of $35,000 towards our music programs! Among them are the Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival (VSMF) with the MSU Music Department and the Youth Mambo Orchestra. The NEA is the premier federal funding agency in the United States. 

I am especially proud to share that the First All-State Youth Mariachi Ensemble has been selected by Dr. Lorenzo Trujillo and Dr. Peter Schimpf of MSU after an audition. They will be known as Mariachi Estelares de Colorado, representing Adams, Boulder, Denver, Pueblo, and Weld Counties! In the Fall they’ll take Master workshops in Denver and open for Lupita Infante on September 25, 2022 at Levitt Pavilion show. Don’t forget to get your tickets!

Hola, Mi Gente! I am so excited for the #VSMF2022! My favorite Mariachi song is “Cielito Lindo'' because it brings back memories of my childhood. My dad knows this, so he would request it especially for me every time we would have dinner together at Mexican restaurants. I felt connected to the Latina in the lyrics because we share dark eyes and a mole on our lip. The message behind the song is inspiring - “Sing, don't cry because singing brings happiness to the heart.” What is your favorite Mariachi song?

I can’t wait to welcome you to Levitt Pavilion, and to sing and rejoice together during the VIP Reception with Doña Loca and Lupita Infante!

Flor Alvidrez

This year’s festival showcases the state’s first all-star student group, Mariachi Estelares de Colorado. Will a new rising star emerge as this generation's next Pedro Infante or Lola Beltran? Join us on Sept 25th to find out and celebrate the transformative role that LCAC plays in young people’s lives under the

Mari Mesa-Burgos

With support from the NEA, the LCAC will expand its music programs and partnership with the MSU Department of Music and other leaders in music education. The award will support the Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival 2023 and the LCAC Mambo Orchestra with Maestro Eric Trujillo 2022-2023 season. The LCAC is committed to growing a grass-roots pipeline of musicians so as to open doors for young people, families, and community partners to learn and celebrate together. 

MSU Professor and Conference Director, Dr. Lorenzo Trujillo shares:  

The Latino Cultural Arts Center and MSU Denver Department of Music are teaming up to bring you a special evening of Mariachi at the Levitt Pavilion Denver. Viva Southwest will take place on September 25, 2022 and feature Denver’s own Mariachi Sol de Mi Tierra, along with Mariachi Estelares de Colorado. This will be the first performance of the All-State Mariachi Youth Ensemble. The concert will close with a spectacular performance by Latin Grammy nominated singer, Lupita Infante. #VSMF2022

The concert is FREE and open to the public If you purchase our special VIP Ticket option, you can enjoy a private Taquitos y Tequila reception sponsored by Master Chef Dana Rodriguez.

#VSMF2022 is part of the lineup for Levitt Pavilion Denver’s Free Summer Concert Series! Learn more here.

Pa’riba, Pa’bajo, Pal’centro, Pa’dentro!

Join the LCAC for a Special Fundraiser and Reception, from 3-5pm, on September 25, 2022, at the Levitt Pavilion Denver. Sponsored by Master Chef Dana Rodriguez! Your VIP ticket includes early access to the venue, VIP seating, a private musical performance, the best of Mexican cuisine and

Doña Loca spirits and a meet-and-greet with Lupita Infante. 

Tickets are $100 per person and proceeds will fund LCAC Music Programs at 800 Kalamath, a state-of-the-art music building with access to soundproof practice rooms, rehearsal spaces and a computer lab with

Lupita Infante is heir to the Mariachi Dynasty of her Grandfather, Pedro Infante, and has captured the heart of the Mariachi community through determination and education. She contributes a bold new sound to regional Mexican music as a performer and an ethnomusicologist.

Lupita’s Grammy nominated debut album, “La Serenata” has opened the door to stardom while paying tribute to the tradition and beauty of her heritage. She believes in the power of progress and advocates for woman empowerment throughout her music within an industry historically dominated by men.

We proudly present Mariachi Estelares de Colorado, the first All-State youth ensemble in Mariachi. Twelve exceptional student musicians have been selected after being nominated to audition for the ensemble.

It consists of musicians in guitar, guitarron, trumpet, vihuela, violin, and voice. They represent the communities of Denver, Commerce City, Longmont, Westminster and Pueblo. As the state’s premiere student Mariachi ensemble, they will open for festival headliner, Lupita Infante alongside Mariachi Sol de Mi Tierra.

Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival is the anchor for Mariachi education across Colorado showcasing the best talent from:

LCAC will share more about the members of Mariachi Estelares in the coming months, so stay tuned!

There are still spots available for students at Rocky Ridge Music's Nuestras Raíces: Música Mariachi, a residential summer music camp for beginners aged 10 to 15, taking place from July 19 - July 24, 2022. This is an exciting new program, in partnership with the LCAC, that explores the fundamentals of Mariachi within a supportive and inspirational mountain environment. No prior experience necessary. Encourage students to broaden their musical experience and knowledge with expert instructors!

Denver Public Art Seeks to Commission Creatives

Calling all creatives! Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or team of artists to create original public artworks for 3 new spaces: the Larimer Bridge (Connecting Auraria), Bible Park and the Wastewater Management Building. Interested artists may submit qualifications by Tuesday, July 12, 11:59 p.m. MST here> https://bit.ly/Public-Art-Opportunities

Attend their FREE online pre-application meeting on Wednesday, June 29. Register at https://bit.ly/Pre-Application-Meeting