Musical fusions of many genres have existed throughout history, and mariachi music does not escape them. Omaha-based groups of the traditional Mexican music style have had to adapt their repertoire to please the American public with versions any songs: from mariachi-styled “Baby Shark” to rock music, the requested renditions often leave aside the music’s sense of Mexican heritage.
Mariachi music has spread around the globe, so much so that in almost every corner of the world there’s someone playing Cielito Lindo or Las Mañanitas. This music is part of Mexican culture and has been played since the country’s revolution of the 20th century in celebrations such as wakes, weddings, quinceañeras, dinners and even declaration of love.
However over the years, symbiosis of the style and American pop culture led to people such as Elvis Presley sing with mariachis, or the figure of the charro becoming popular in movies.
In Omaha today, mariachi groups want to make known to all the Mexican legacy in their songs. Many of them find it uncomfortable when there are requests that are outside of the traditional Mexican repertoire already rehearsed and prepared for the public.
Such is the case of musician Salvador Robles, also known as Chava, who plays with the mariachi Rey Azteca on Fridays at Howard’s Charro Café. He also lends his talents to other groups on weekends.
In a conversation with El Perico at the Afchetype Café, Chava says that he would like the American public to appreciate the meaning of what it is to be a mariachi. Since he was born in Omaha, he can understand that many groups diversify their musical repertoire.
“We are not a banda group, nor a rock group, much less alternative music. We are a group of mariachis and I think that people here should know a little more about who we are within our Mexican heritage,” he said.
According to records, mariachis in Omaha appeared between the 1950s and 1960s. One of the best-known families of musicians was the Barrientos. However, there were few musicians of that genre at that time.
Back then, says Salvador, the Omaha community showed interest in groups that traditionally sang with their guitarrones, guitar, vihuelas and violins. Years later wind instruments were introduced.
Salvador talks about that traditional idea: “I think it is good to sing one or other songs in English or to be different to integrate the public, but I would like people to appreciate the traditional mariachi and its essence. They could know Las Mañanitas and other typical songs of our Mexican culture.”
Most of the mariachi musicians in Omaha speak Spanish and know the songs of Jorge Negrete, Vicente Fernández, Javier Solis, Chavela Vargas, Antonio Aguilar, Juan Gabriel, to name some examples of the range of renowned singers.
Rey Azteca plays on Fridays at Howard’s Charro Café. The spectators are thrilled to receive the Mexican music band that begins to play their repertoire until someone asks them to sing Hotel California.
Mariachis have to give it their all and do their best and earn a tip. One does wonder if anyone has asked the Eagles to do a cover of El Son de la Negra.
The Mexican standard
José Mendoza Cabral – who is 80 years old, with the spirit of someone who is 40 – is part of the first generation of Mexicans who believes that mariachi is an exclusive Mexican genre and a Latin American banner, so it must preserve its essence.
“Mariachi shouldn’t play rock,” he says.
From his perspective, he believes that in these times it is okay to do mariachi versions, if possible, since it also helps people feel comfortable with bands.
Cabral goes regularly to the GI Forum where he does not go unnoticed. He said that at the beginning of August they celebrated a birthday where he also sang.
He commented that before he was a mariachi, he played with his friends in white guayaberas.
“I traveled to Laredo, Texas to have some charro suits made for me. Once we had that, we started to play like it was nobody’s business,” he said.
It is worth mentioning that in Omaha there are several mariachi groups in which women also participate. That is why if you want to request a song from a mariachi in Omaha, consider these 10 options that Cabral provided to us.
- El Son de la Negra
- Volver, Volver
- La ley del Monte
- Cielito lindo
- Las mañanitas
- Chavela
- El Rey
- Sabor a mí
- Creí
- Mi viejo San Juan.