Mariachi has become a ubiquitous fixture upon the American musical landscape.
The traditional Mexican music flows with seeming ease between its folk roots and current popular culture. The very term mariachi conjures up definite sounds and images to anyone who has enjoyed and embraced the music. It remains a robust style, however, that lends itself to reinvention.
Enter Flor de Toloache. The New York City-based, all-female mariachi group hit the ground running upon its founding in 2008, but they were always destined for greater things than the subway platforms that hosted some of their earliest performances. With members hailing from all over the globe – including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Australia, Germany, Italy, the United States, and more – they personify the international cultural force that is mariachi.
They are 2017 Latin Grammy Award winners for their latest album, Las Caras Lindas. In praising the album, Rolling Stone wrote “One listen to Mireya Ramos’ slaying vocals on “Regresa Yá,” and you’ll never think of mariachi as tame tableside entertainment again.” World Listening Post, meanwhile, praises the band for delivering “elegant harmonies with abundant exuberance and charm.”
To get a sense of the infectious harmonies and rhythms of Flor de Toloache, check out their 2016 NPR Tiny Desk Concert.
Swallow Hill Music is excited to announce Flor de Toloache in Daniels Hall on Sunday, January 27 at 7 p.m. It promises to be an unforgettable evening.
Flor De Toloache