For people of Mexican descent, mariachi music is synonymous with milestones such as weddings, birthday parties, funerals or maybe just Saturday-morning chores. The genre, which originated in the 18th century in the western state of Jalisco, has morphed into one of Mexico’s most beloved styles of music that is now popular worldwide. In California, more high schools and colleges such as San Jose State have added mariachi music programs. Mariachi San Jose, an ensemble of college students, joins us in studio for a special live performance ahead of the Fourth Annual Fiesta del Mariachi. We’ll talk about mariachi’s growing popularity and the local ensembles that keep the genre strumming in the Bay. Guests: José R. Torres-Ramos, assistant professor of ethnomusicology, San Jose State University; director, Mariachi San Jose Debra Barrera, violin, Mariachi San Jose Anthony Cera, trumpet, Mariachi San Jose Abril Dorado, violin, Mariachi San Jose Jorge Dovalina, vihuela, Mariachi San Jose Thomas Hernández, harp, Mariachi San Jose Cameron Samayoa, guitarrón, Mariachi San Jose Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices