Executive & Artistic Director

Thor Steingraber

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Leyendas del Mariachi

featuring

Jonathan Palomar | Guitar

Rafael Palomar | Guitar

Germán López | Vihuela

Fernando Hernandez | Guitarron

Julio Martinez | Harp

Javier Rodriguez | Trumpet

Francisco “Paco” Aguilar | Trumpet

Esteban “Steve” Carrillo | Trumpet

Fernando Velásquez | Trumpet

Miguel Ángel Barrón | Violin

Jose Pepe Martinez Jr. | Violin

Juan Rodriguez | Violin

Ismael Hernandez | Violin

Jose Moyces Vargas Basulto | Violin

Oscar Ortega | Violin

Juan Reyes | Violin

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Sat Nov 9 | 3pm and 8pm

Run Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission

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“I am sure that today is the beginning of a new era for mariachi.” — Noticias EstrellaTV

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Program | Program Note

Ballet Folklorico Ollin

Jonathan Palomar | Rafael Palomar | Germán López | Fernando Hernandez | Julio Martinez | Javier Rodriguez | Francisco “Paco” Aguilar | Esteban “Steve” Carrillo | Fernando Velásquez | Miguel Ángel Barrón | Jose Pepe Martinez Jr. | Juan Rodriguez | Ismael Hernandez | Jose Moyces Vargas Basulto | Oscar Ortega | Juan Reyes

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About Us

Our Supporters | The Soraya Team

Jonathan Palomar, guitar

Singer and guitarist Jonathan Palomar was born in Mexico City on Aug. 22, 1980, and grew up in a renowned musical family from Ameca, Jalisco, Mexico. Trained by his father and other private instructors, he later studied classical guitar and voice at the Escuela Libre de Música.

He began his professional career in 1997 with Los Charros de Ameca. Upon relocating to Guadalajara, Jalisco, he joined various well-known professional mariachis and got the opportunity to tour North America with Mariachi Internacional de Guadalajara. In 2005, Palomar was welcomed into the ranks of Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano where he flourished for many years and was able to work on two Grammy Award®-nominated albums, including one of which won a Grammy in 2016. In 2017, he joined Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, performing worldwide and recording with artists such as Luis Miguel.

Now based in San Antonio, Texas, Jonathan directs the Mariachi Extravaganza, teaches voice and guitar, and is pursuing further musical studies at Our Lady of the Lake University. Recently, he left Mariachi Vargas to focus on solo projects and music education.

Rafael Palomar, guitar

Affectionately known as “El Maestro Palomar,” Rafael Palomar is a distinguished retiree from the world-renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, acclaimed as one of the best mariachis in the world. With 23 years as director, Palomar excelled as both lead singer and guitarist, leaving an indelible mark on Vargas’ younger singers. His influence is evident in approximately 35 recordings, now considered classics of the genre.

Retiring from Mariachi Vargas at 47, Palomar continued his musical journey as the director for Ezequiel Peña. Leading the Mariachi Palomar de Ameca, he toured Mexico and the United States, contributing to recordings with esteemed artists such as Linda Ronstadt.

Palomar is the musical director for Herencia Mariachi Academy.

Germán López, vihuela

Born in 1972, Germán López hails from Mascota, Jalisco. His musical journey began at the age of 13, alongside his father Domingo López, as a vihuelist with Mariachi Navidad.

Germán emigrated to the United States in 1996, and his journey led him to Mariachi Imperial de México, under Mario “El Mono” Rodríguez, from 1998 to 2002. Subsequently, López joined Juan Jiménez’s Estrellas de México until 2004. That year marked a significant chapter as he became a member of Los Camperos de Nati Cano, contributing to the renowned ensemble for over 13 years.

In 2017, López opted for a career change, prompting his relocation to Northern California. A versatile musician, he continues to enrich the mariachi world with his passion and talent.

Fernando Hernandez, guitarron

Born in 1966 in Mexico City, Fernando Hernandez began his musical journey at age 10 with Mariachi Ardillitas, touring Mexico. Over the years, he showcased his talent with Mariachi Latino, Azteca de Jesús Vázquez, and Nuevo Zapopán. Notably, Hernandez was the lead mariachi at the Blanquita Theater, accompanying artists such as María de Lourdes. He has also contributed to renowned groups including Mariachi Gama, Mariachi México 70 on Televisa’s “Siempre en Domingo,” and Mariachi 2000. His rich career also includes collaborations with Mariachi Arroyo, Emperadores, and Arrieros de México.

Currently, Hernandez directs Mariachi Embajadores and teaches at the Ollin Yoliztli Mariachi School in the famed Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City.

Julio Martinez, harp

Born in Mexico City in 1961, Julio Martinez embarked on his harp journey at the age of 12 under the guidance of esteemed teachers Felipe Aguilar, Mario Barradas, and Celso Duarte.

Martinez made his musical footprint with the release of his debut harp record, Latinoamerica y su Música, in collaboration with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán in 1988. His career unfolded further in 1989 when he joined Mariachi Sol de México, contributing to the soundtrack of the film American Me recorded in Los Angeles. Martinez represented Mexico at the Europalia ’93 Festival in Brussels with Mariachi Arriba Juárez in 1993. In 1995, he became part of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, touring globally for an impressive 22 years.

Currently, Martinez is an active member of the renowned Mariachi Mexico de Pepe Villa, established in 1953, and he proudly graces the ensemble of Mariachi Las Leyendas.

Javier Rodriguez, trumpet

Born in Tlaltenango de Sanchez Roman, Zacatecas, Javier Rodriguez began his musical journey at 8, excelling as a trumpeter. After joining Mariachi Nuevo Zapopan in the U.S. at 15, he returned to Mexico to study at the University of Guadalajara, contributing to Mariachi Los Toritos and a versatile orchestra. His career includes collaborations with Mariachi Sol de México and Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, performing on global tours and for former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Beyond mariachi, Rodriguez played with orchestras, such as the New York Philharmonic and Spanish Youth Philharmonic, and recorded three solo trumpet albums. Rodriguez instructs at mariachi conferences worldwide, aiming to inspire and preserve the mariachi tradition.

Francisco “Paco” Aguilar, trumpet

Francisco Aguilar launched his career with Mariachi Juvenil Tecalitlán, later joining Mariachi America and accompanying artists such as Isabel Pantoja and Lola Beltrán. As an exclusive mariachi for Rocío Dúrcal from 1995 to 2000, he toured worldwide. Aguilar co-founded Mariachi Sonidos de América and later contributed to Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán (2005-2020), performing with renowned artists including Alejandro Sanz and Vicente Fernández.

Besides being a Yamaha Artist and arranger, he instructs trumpet in international workshops, showcasing his rich musical expertise.

Esteban “Steve” Carrillo, trumpet

Esteban “Steve” Carrillo is a prominent member of the Leyendas del Mariachi. Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, he began his mariachi journey with the groundbreaking youth ensemble, Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson. From 1968 to 1974, Carrillo toured extensively across the United States with the group.

In collaboration with his brother Randy, Steve co-founded Mariachi Cobre in 1971, serving as its musical director for an impressive 52 years. Residing in Orlando, Florida, for the past 41 years, Mariachi Cobre has been the resident mariachi at Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park. As the director of Mariachi Cobre, Steve brings decades of musical expertise to the stage.

Fernando Velásquez, trumpet

Fernando Velásquez was born in the Altos de Jalisco town of Tepatitlán de Morelos, where his father, itinerant mariachi trumpet player José Martín Velásquez, happened to be working at the time. Shortly after, the Velásquez family moved to Guadalajara, where Fernando spent most of his early childhood. “Although I consider Guadalajara my hometown,” he says, “most of my life I’ve been like a circus gypsy … in one place after another.”

At age 5, Fernando had already decided he wanted to be a musician, and by age 8 he was studying solfège and music theory. He continued taking private trumpet lessons until age 13, when his family moved to Ciudad Juárez. There he played with his first ensemble, Mariachi Colima, a group formed by his father. Eight years later, in 1996, he came back to Guadalajara, where he played for three years with local mariachi Los Monarcas and two years with Los Toritos.

After a brief stint in Los Angeles with Mariachi Tlaquepaque, Fernando returned to Guadalajara in 2000, where he played with Mariachi Internacional Guadalajara, and then Mariachi San Francisco.

Fernando’s next stay in California was his longest, where he played with mariachis Imperial de México (2004), Sol de México (2004-2007), Internacional de México (2007-2008), and Los Camperos (2008). In June 2008, he achieved a major milestone by joining Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán where he played for most of his illustrious career.

Miguel Ángel Barrón, violin

Miguel Ángel Barrón was born in Guadalajara, where his grandfather and uncles on his mother’s side were mariachi musicians. At age 8, he began taking private music lessons, and by age 10, he had joined Mariachi Juvenil Jalisciense. At age 13, he joined his grandfather’s group, Mariachi Guadalajara, where he remained for two years. From ages 14 to 21, he worked with mariachi groups in the El Parián restaurant complex in Tlaquepaque, on the outskirts of Guadalajara. During his tenure at El Parián, he spent periods playing each of the different mariachi instruments. At age 22, he joined Mariachi Jalisco es México, where he remained for five years as a violinist.

In 2003, Barrón opened his own recording studio, Gigiorecords, in Guadalajara. There, he produced an album for singer Alejandra Orozco on which he wrote all the arrangements and played all the instruments. When Rubén Fuentes heard the album, he wanted to meet its producer. On Dec. 17, 2010, Barrón became Mariachi Vargas’ vihuela player, replacing the retiring Víctor Cárdenas.

Since his stint with Mariachi Vargas, Barrón has continued a successful career in music production and recording, and he now shares his talents with Leyendas del Mariachi as their musical director.

Jose Pepe Martinez Jr., violin

Born in 1969, Jose Pepe Martinez Jr. made his foray into the music world at 16 by joining Mariachi Juvenil Tecalitlán, followed by Mariachi Juvenil de México and Mariachi de América de Don Jesús Rodríguez de Híjar. Martinez’s illustrious journey continued as he became an integral part of the renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán for over 24 years.

He continues his family’s musical heritage, as his father, Don Jose “Pepe” Martinez, was the eminent composer and music director for Mariachi Vargas from 1975 to 2014.

Currently residing in Los Angeles, Martinez leads his own group.

Juan Rodriguez, violin

Born on Sept. 26, 1967, in Tlaltenango, Zacatecas, Mexico, Juan Rodriguez began his violin studies under the guidance of his father, Primitivo Rodríguez. His musical journey began at the age of 8 with Mariachi Aventureros, where he played alongside his father and honed his skills in music theory under Master Nicolás Castañeda Cabral.

In 1985, driven by the pursuit of a better future, he migrated to the United States, joining Mariachi Los Galleros de Pedro Rey in 1989. In 1991, he became an integral part of Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, accompanying renowned artists like Lucha Villa, Lola Beltrán, Juan Gabriel, and Pepe Aguilar. Rodriguez’s illustrious 26-year tenure with Mariachi Los Camperos saw him contribute to multiple albums and collaborate with artists such as Joan Sebastian and Mariachi V.

Ismael Hernandez, violin

Born in 1969, Ismael Hernandez embarked on his musical journey at the age of 8, apprenticing with his father, Chato Hernández, in Mariachi los Jilgueros as a vihuelist. A pivotal moment arrived at age 18, when he relocated to Los Angeles, where José Hernández and Mariachi Sol de México welcomed him as a violinist. Subsequently, he joined Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, honing his skills over a remarkable 25-year career. Encouraged by Cano, Ismael later established his own ensemble, Mariachi Tierra Querida de Ismael Hernández.

Jose Moyces Vargas Basulto, violin

In 1981, at the age of 16, Jose Moyces Vargas Basulto began his musical journey at Plaza de los Mariachis in Guadalajara under the guidance of Jesús Castillo. For a decade, Basulto contributed his musical talents to Mariachi Los Toritos, touring Spain, Austria, and various other countries. Then, he joined Mariachi San Francisco for three years, followed by another three years with Mariachi Sol de América. His extensive career continued with Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán, spanning over two decades.

Basulto has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, such as Chabelo García, Daniel Rosales, Steven Sandoval, and Oscar Arellano, among others, showcasing his dedication to the mariachi tradition.

Oscar Ortega, violin

Oscar Ortega began his musical journey in Guadalajara, Jalisco, singing on public buses. His professional career took off in 1991 with Mariachi Los Galleros de Pedro Rey, where he performed for two years. In 1995, he joined Los Camperos de Nati Cano until 1997, followed by a stint with Mariachi Sol de México from 1997 to 2001. He then performed with Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán from 2001 to 2003 before returning to Sol de México from 2003 to 2005. Ortega rejoined Mariachi Camperos from 2005 to 2007 and again performed with Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán from 2010 to 2017. In 2017, he joined Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, where he stayed until 2024. He is currently a member of Mariachi Las Leyendas.

Juan Reyes, violin

Juan Reyes is a musician, composer, arranger, and singer specializing in ranchera music. The renowned vocalist and violinist has performed with some of the most prestigious mariachi ensembles, including Mariachi Sonidos de América, Mariachi Juvenil Tecalitlán of Marco Antonio Santiago, Mariachi de América de Don Jesús Rodríguez de Híjar, and the legendary Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.

Throughout his career, Reyes has accompanied iconic artists, such as Lola Beltrán, Rocío Dúrcal, Amalia Mendoza, Vicente and Alejandro Fernández, and many others, in recordings, films, and television and radio programs.

Honored with the prestigious Lira de Oro award by the Sindicato Único de Trabajadores de la Música del D.F., Reyes has also given lectures and workshops at mariachi festivals in Mexico and the U.S., promoting and teaching this musical tradition. He has directed mariachi music programs in schools and at Stanford University. Reyes has twice served as director of the International Mariachi Festival in San Jose, California.

Currently, Reyes is launching his first solo album, sharing his passion for ranchera music and showcasing his original compositions.