Thousands of mariachi students and fans alike are expected to experience the 44th annual La Frontera’s Tucson International Mariachi Conference April 29-May 2.

For four days, Tucson is all about the quintessential music and culture that has defined the Old Pueblo for generations.

The bulk of the conference is devoted to workshops where students from around the state and region will learn from the pros. But the true spirit of the conference comes on the final day Saturday, May 2, during the day-long Fiesta de Garibaldi.

The community event from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. at Jácome Plaza, 101 N. Stone Ave., features performances by  mariachi ensembles and vendors selling food and drinks including alcoholic beverages.

“The music speaks for itself,” says Alfonso Dancil, chairman of the Tucson International Mariachi Conference board of directors. “It originated from Mexico and we’ve built it up here in Tucson. You will not be disappointed if you’ve never listened to it before.” 

Admission is free for children 7 and younger, $10 for seniors and children 8-18 and $20 for adults through  tucsonmariachi.org.

Fiesta de Garibaldi follows the big Espectacular Concert Friday night with Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez featuring vocalist Angélica Vargas.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. Tickets start at $64.55 through ticketmaster.com.

The conference has a record number of students – 350 folklórico students and 944 mariachi – signed up for its workshops, prompting organizers to add a second student showcase competition. 

Winners in the elementary  and middle school categories and college winners will get a chance to perform at the Fiesta de Garibaldi. The high school winners will be featured at Friday’s Espectacular.

 “It’s a way to show what they’ve learned and how they have improved through the Tucson International Mariachi Conference,” Dancil said. 

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.