On Feb. 9, the Our Lady of the Lake community poured into Thiry Auditorium to hear the magic and life that is Serenata with Mariachi Campanas de America. Faculty, staff, students and members of the San Antonio community made up the large crowd. The concert was another installment of Calle 24’s special events.

At 7:30 p.m., the doors opened for spectators to enjoy traditional mariachi music as well as modern tunes. OLLU Mariachi alum, Gina Flores, said, “I came back to town just to come see Campanas. Last year, I waited in line for a really long time, but it is definitely worth the wait.”

Flores, who graduated in December of 2005, was a member of OLLU Mariachis for a year. Flores also said, “I love how they do not only play traditional mariachi songs, but also incorporate modern rhythms and songs.”

Campanas de America was founded in the heart of San Antonio in 1978, under the direction of Juan Ortiz. Romantically, Campanas is titled after Belle Ortiz, Juan’s wife.

Since its formation in the late 1970s, Campanas has celebrated immense popularity and success. The mariachi group has performed at venues such as the Aladdin Casino, and Bally’s Casino, both located in Las Vegas. As well as the Kumamoto Festival in Japan, The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Willie Nelson’s Farm Aid, Austin Music Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the San Antonio Symphony and the Houston Symphony.

In addition, they have also played at such prestigious events including the Hispanic Heritage Awards in 1999, 2000, and 2004, the 1996 Presidential Hispanic Inaugural Gala in the nation’s capital, and at the White House for President Bush, and first lady, Laura Bush in 2003.

When informed as to how accomplished the mariachi group was, San Antonio resident, Frank Hernandez, said, “I had no idea as to how successful the mariachi group was, but I enjoy their performance and energy. I think that it’s great that such an amazing group is performing at the university for the entire community.”

As well as being musically talented, the members of Campanas are also philanthropists for music education. They work with the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences to bring “Grammy in the Schools,” a mariachi education program. Some of the members are also music instructors in schools across San Antonio.

Joining the strong musicians of Campanas was OLLU’s very own award-winning Mariachi group, under the direction of Dr. Rachel Y. Cruz. Last December, the mariachi group competed at the 12th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. OLLU returned victorious with second-place honors.

Overall, the joint mariachi performances entertained and moved audiences to dance in their seats, strike up applause, and contribute their very own grito. Senior, Susana Zambrano, said, “I really liked the music they played, and I also enjoyed how they incorporated percussion and keyboards in their performance.”

The outstanding performance of Campanas de America and OLLU’s Mariachi group spread colorful notes into the veins of spectators, and made toes tap and fingers snap. Thiry was painted with the explosive vibrant colors of traditional mariachi with a hint of modern movement.