SAN JOSE, Calif., May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Linda Ronstadt today announced details of the 2009 schedule for the San Jose Mariachi and Mexican Heritage Festival (SJMF), the signature Latino destination event of Northern California. As the presenting sponsor, Target is making it possible for this year's Feria del Mariachi to be free and open to the public. Major funding for this year's festival is also provided by the City of San Jose and the Redevelopment Agency.

The weeklong schedule includes "Mariachi Goes to the Movies", a new interpretive performance celebrating Mexico's Golden Era of Mexican Film and a concert with special guests Los Lobos, Linda Ronstadt and Carlos Santana, appearing together for the first time to honor Cesar Chavez. The Festival also will present an evening with Joan Baez, whose commitment to social justice is shared by Ronstadt.

"The 2009 schedule is full of exciting new interpretations of the traditional mariachi canon, a very special homage to Cesar Chavez with guests Los Lobos and Carlos Santana, a singular evening with a singer of Mexican heritage that I have very much admired...Joan Baez over the years," announced Ronstadt, Artistic Director of the Festival. "All are eager to share with our appreciative, adventurous, and passionate audience, and with the great Bay Area community that supports us."

The schedule represents a welcome community celebration in the midst of tough economic times. The festivities are highlighted by free outdoor concerts presented by Target and evening concert performances by some of the most beloved artists in folk, traditional and rock music.

"San Jose's Mexican heritage runs deep and the tradition of creative innovation and commitment to social justice has impacted the world through the work of leaders such as Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta," added Ronstadt.

The 2009 schedule continues Ronstadt's artistic direction of the Festival for a second year, and her creative interpretation, for the third year, of the program for the festival mariachi gala concert. For 2009 Ronstadt has created "Mariachi Goes to the Movies"--- an original musical interpretation and tribute to the iconic music of such Mexican cinema classics as "Dos Tipos de Cuidado" and "Ay, Jalisco No Te Rajes."

Ronstadt's creative direction of the mariachi gala concert pairs the core classical repertoire of the mariachi canon with screened highlights of Mexican films that are new to or rarely seen by Bay Area audiences. Mexico's Queen of the Cancion Ranchera - Aida Cuevas - returns to the festival from her triumphant appearance with Ronstadt and Lila Downs in 2008. Cuevas will be joined by America's mariachi royalty --- Los Camperos de Nati Cano and Mariachi Cobre --- in this singular tribute.

"It has been my great pleasure and privilege to work with the wonderful musicians of Los Camperos de Nati Cano and the Mariachi Cobre for many years, during which we've developed a personally nuanced approach to the music of the mariachi, both the familiar and the new," added Ronstadt.

The Festival schedule also includes educational workshops in mariachi music, ballet folklorico, Mexican green building and design and, for the first time, 'slow food' Mexican cooking.

"Our 2009 schedule offers a wealth of powerful musical experiences, reflecting the inspired partnership between the Festival, the City of San Jose and Linda Ronstadt," said MHC President and CEO Marcela Davison Aviles. "It is a generous schedule, one that expands the Festival's free offerings, thanks to wonderful support from Target. It builds upon our long-standing commitment to annually present some of the world's greatest artists, artisans, and educators and to showcase San Jose's vibrant community."

Festival tickets will become available through a special offer and officially go on sale to the general public May 12 at 10 a.m. Ticket information is available through the Web site at www.sjmariachifestival.com or www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Sponsors of the Festival include Target, the City of San Jose and the San Jose Redevelopment Agency.

SOURCE Mexican Heritage Corporation

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