Youth Bands to Vie at Mariachi Festival

Youth mariachi groups from throughout Southern California will participate in the second Festival Juvenil del Mariachi competition today at San Fernando High School.

Nine mariachi groups, consisting of performers ages 18 and younger, will be rated on vocal performance, group image, director’s musical selections and overall performance.

A panel of professional mariachi musicians, artists and Latino community leaders will serve as judges.

Local performers include Cobras de Jalisco from San Fernando and Los Tigres del Valle San Fernando from Van Nuys.

Other popular junior groups include Harmonia Ranchera from Pico Rivera, Mariachi Inlakech from Oxnard and Recuerdos de Mexico from Los Angeles.

The four top-ranked groups will be invited to perform in a junior mariachi showcase next year.

“Mariachi music, as a traditional form, is simply being redefined and coming into its own for a new, younger generation,” said program chairman Bob Arciniaga.

The event begins at 2 p.m. in the San Fernando High School auditorium, 11133 O’Melveny Ave.