Mexican Songstress Aida Cuevas and Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez Inaugurate Student Mariachi Music Program in Chicago with Benefit Concert

CHICAGO, Sept. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Aida Cuevas and Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, today's highest ambassadors of traditional Mexican music, unite for a world-class benefit concert to support Chicago's first standards-based student mariachi music program through the Mariachi Heritage Foundation.  The K-12 grade student mariachi program is the first of its kind in Chicago, allowing students to meet general music requirements through a structured curriculum in mariachi performance taught as part of the regular school day.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130919/PH82753 )

"Engaging students in mariachi programs will materially impact Latino academic performance in Chicago's schools," says Cesar Maldonado of the Mariachi Heritage Foundation.  "While school budgets remain constrained, it is critical that we continue to invest in the academic advancement of Latino students.  In Chicago, only two-thirds of Latino students obtain a high school diploma within five years and only one-third enroll in a four year institution upon graduation.  Quality mariachi education programs will engage Latino students early on through a cultural tradition they already understand, while promoting discipline development, academic confidence and understanding of cultural diversity."

Latin Grammy award winner, Aida Cuevas and Jose Hernandez's Mariachi Sol de Mexico perform at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park on Sunday, November 24, 2013 at 3:00pm.  The concert will also feature Chicago's Sones de Mexico Ensemble and the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago.

Aida Cuevas is currently known as the "Greatest Icon of Mexican Music," releasing 35 albums and selling more than 7 million copies.  Her unique voice and style have allowed her to cultivate a successful and long lasting career of 37 years, leaving a remarkable imprint in the history of Mexican music.  The "Queen of Ranchera Music" will perform her latest production titled "Totalmente Juan Gabriel," in which the songstress pays tribute to the legendary Mexican composer, performing songs like "Se Me Olvido Otra Vez," "Ya Lo Se Que Tu Te Vas," and "Abrazame Muy Fuerte."

Co-headliner Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez is an undeniable institution in the world of mariachi music.  After forming Mariachi Sol de Mexico in 1981 in Los Angeles, California, the charismatic arrangements and signature trumpet playing of founder and director Jose Hernandez has made the group a lasting success.  Mariachi Sol de Mexico is credited as one of today's leading and most innovative professional mariachi ensembles in the world.  The group's latest recording titled "La Musica" combines mariachi arrangements with symphonic orchestra and features the Sinfonica Nacional De Las Americas.

"We're thrilled to help bring student mariachi programs to Chicago," said Jose Hernandez.  "Mariachi education programs have been around for decades in the western states and remain a critical component to Latino student academic achievement."

Tickets are available at the Harris Theater Box Office at 205 East Randolph Drive, Chicago, IL 60601, by phone at (312) 334-7777, or online at www.HarrisTheaterChicago.org. 

Connect with the Mariachi Heritage Foundation via Facebook at www.facebook.com/MariachiHeritageFoundation.  

Sponsorship and press inquiries can be directed to Email or by calling (312) 771-1088.

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SOURCE Mariachi Heritage Foundation