Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles—The First Female Mariachi Band Celebrates 30 Year Anniversary

Mariachi music is a festive, celebratory traditional genre of Mexican folk music, that has come to symbolize Mexican culture around the world.

With its rich instrumentation of violins, trumpets, high-pitch guitars known as vihuelas, and guitarrons sometimes called a harp. The upbeat music includes several band members originally all male, taking turns lead singing, with themes of love politics, and life. 

Cuarteto Coculense of course all male, is widely known as the first recorded mariachi band, originating in Cocula, Jalisco Mexico. Because of this, Cocula is known as the “Cradle of Mariachi.” Cuarteto Coculense first known recordings were done in the early 20th century. They are credited with popularizing mariachi music. 

Maestro Jose Hernandez founded this first all-female mariachi band in Los Angeles, California. The ensemble has significantly advanced the mariachi genre, and has been instrumental in breaking down numerous barriers for female musicians. 

Maestro Jose Hernandez was born in 1962, in French Camp, California, located in San Joaquin County, near Stockton, CA. He is the youngest of eight children. Maestro Jose Hernandez’s father, Esteban Hernandez, was from La Piedad, Michoacan Mexico. Esteban Hernandez was a mariachi musician.  

Estaban Hernandez’s family moved to California in the early years of the 1960s before Maestro Jose Hernandez was born. The Hernandez family remained close to their musical traditions. This rich family tradition of being immersed in the beautiful sounds of mariachi music influenced Maestro Jose Hernandez’s passion for the genre.  

At 19-years-old in 1981, Maestro Jose Hernadez started his first band. The renown “Mariachi Sol de Mexico.” Jose’s goal was to blend a mixture of traditional mariachi music, with new contemporary sounds and elements.  

Jose Hernandez and Mariachi Sol de Mexico are known worldwide. The band has been nominated for many awards included Grammy nominations. They have also collaborated with musical artists such as The Beach Boys, Willie Nelson, Selena, Linda Ronstadt, Jose Feliciano and Luis Miguel, just to name a few. 

The band has also appeared in television and film. Jose Hernandez and the band have inspired new generations of mariachi music through teaching and educational programs like the Mariachi Nationals and Summer Institute, which provides workshops, performances and competitions, for mariachi musicians. 

Another program is the Mariachi Heritage Society, which focuses on preserving and promoting mariachi culture and music through community outreach. It offers resources to support the development of mariachi musicians and community. 

In 2001, Maestro Jose Hernandez established the Sol de Mexico Symphony Orchestra, which blends mariachi music with the elements of Symphony. Because there were many women who were interested in mariachi music and not having many role models, Jose decided to start an all-female mariachi band.  

In 1994, Maestro Jose Hernandez established “Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles,” America’s first all-female mariachi band. The band became the role model for female mariachi musicians.  Jose Hernandez, tapped the legendary Lola Beltran, famously known as “La Reina de La Musica Ranchera,” to mentor the first all-female mariachi ensemble.  

Lola Beltran “La Reina de La Musica Ranchera” an icon in her own right, used her influence and prominence in ranchera music, to help the band gain exposure.  

Ranchera music also known as cancion ranchera, which mariachi music evolves from, originated in the rural areas of Mexico in the 19th century before the Mexican Revolution. With themes of love, nature, patriotism and storytelling, this beautiful music has a slower more melodic tempo. But it can also be at a faster temp as well.

Lola Beltran was born in Rosario, Sinaloa. At the age of 21 she moved to Mexico City with her mother to embark on her journey to become a singer.  Lola soon took a job as a secretary, at radio station XEW in Mexico City.  While working as a secretary at the radio station, Lola Beltran seized every opportunity to showcase her singing talent. Eventually her persistence paid off, and she was given a chance to sing on air. Her talent captivated the station and its listeners.  Lola was given her own radio show soon after.  

Lola Beltran was a pioneering influence in the world of ranchera music. She helped to popularize ranchera music both internationally and domestically, performing globally for world leaders. Her music has received many awards, including gold and platinum albums. She also received the Ariel Award for her contributions to Mexican Cinema.  

And of course she paved the way for Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, the first all-female mariachi band from Los Angeles, California. This year, 2004, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, is celebrating its 30-year anniversary. They have blazed the trail for women in mariachi music which traditionally has been dominated by men. Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles has recorded several albums. They have performed for President Barack Obama at the White House, Oprah Winfrey and Tom Cruise. 

Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles has also been involved in educational outreach to inspire future generations of mariachi musicians especially women. The band has represented Mexican culture and mariachi music on the international stage performing in many countries. 

Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles had their 30-year anniversary concert, Friday, September 6, 2024, in La Mirada, CA, at the La Mirada Theater for the Performing Arts. But if you missed it don’t fret. You can catch this groundbreaking group at their upcoming shows as follows: 

September 29, 2024,  SoFi Stadium Halftime Show

The Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chief Football Teams 

October 4, 2024, Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana

An annual event hosted by the famous Tito’s Tacos. This charity event is held annually which raises funds for the Culver City Art’s Foundation. Tacos, cocktails and entertainment.  

Enjoy the food and of course this wonderful music.