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CALIFORNIA'S GOLD: MARIACHI (TV)

Summary

One in this series of travel programs, featuring host Huell Howser, who tours California, exploring the state's diversity. In this episode, Howser explores the development of mariachi music and begins by featuring live selections by Mariachi Nuevo Uclatlan. Dr. Steve Loza of the UCLA department of ethnomusicology discusses various theories of the origins of this art form, which began sometime in the mid-nineteenth century. Next, Dr. Steven Pearlman of the University of Redlands leads his band in some traditional mariachi music; talks about the yelling, or "grito," done by the performers to show enthusiastic involvement; and describes the typical musical instruments in a modern mariachi band, some of which are indigenous to Mexico. Vivien Bonzo, owner of a cafe on mainly Hispanic Lovera Street in Los Angeles, explains the importance of liveliness in Mexican music and culture, and she brings Howser to a street corner in East Los Angeles where mariachi bands gather to pick up gigs for that evening. The program closes with a look at a performance at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles, featuring the school's student group El Mariachi Los Alanos and the well-known professionals Los Camperos. Nati Cano, founder of Los Camperos, and David Kilpatrick, director of the student group, explain the importance of respecting musical traditions and instructing each new generation in order to pass along folk culture.

Cataloging of this program was made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, 1999.

Details

  • NETWORK: KCET-TV (Los Angeles, CA) / PBS
  • DATE: June 6, 1993
  • RUNNING TIME: 0:28:59
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: T:54317
  • GENRE: Magazine
  • SUBJECT HEADING: California - Description and travel; Mariachi; Bands (Music); Mexican Americans; Folk music - Mexico; Ethnomusicology
  • SERIES RUN: PBS KCET - TV series, 1991-2012
  • COMMERCIALS:
    • TV - Commercials - "CaliforniaÕs Gold" (home video of this program)

CREDITS

  • Huell Howser … Producer, Writer
  • Vicki McCoy … Associate Producer
  • Phil Noyes … Associate Producer
  • Chuck Bausback … Researcher
  • Huell Howser … Host
  • Los Camperos … Music Group
  • Mariachi Los Alanos, El … Music Group
  • Mariachi Nuevo Uclatlan … Music Group
  • Vivien Bonzo
  • Nito Cano
  • David Kilpatrick
  • Steve Loza
  • Steven Pearlman