Campanas De America profile picture

Campanas De America

Celebrating 27 years

About Me

-America's Entertainment Mariachi- Characterizing the music of Campanas de America as simply 'mariachi' does not describe the entire musical spectrum produced by this group of multi-talented musicians. This premier American musical ensemble is made so distinct by its' ability to combine traditional Mexican mariachi music with Latin and mainstream pop rhythms. From the traditional folkloric 'La Negra' to toe-tapping, boot-scootin 'Lone Star Medley' Campanas de America typifies the essence of what it means to be a Mexican-American. Under the charge of Musical Director, Juan Ortiz, Campanas de America appeals to a wide audience. Young, old, Spanish and non-Spanish speaking are fascinated with the sights and sounds of this modern day, maverick mariachi group. Often times, spectators are so moved by the music that they forge as improptu dance floor in mid-performance. Dancing coupled with ''gritos'', or Mexican yells of enthusiasm, transforms a Campanas concert into an instant fiesta. Founded in 1978 in San Antonio, TX, Campanas de America (Bells of America) was named after Belle Ortiz, Juan's wife and the group's manager. Through their tireless efforts and dedication, the troupe has quickly gained national recognition and public support, and has attributed much of its' success to the philosophy that "education is key". Campanas has and continues to be one of the main forces behind mariachi education programs in public schools. Much so, that several of the members of Campanas are instructors in various public school musical programs in their hometown of San Antonio, TX. There are many factors that make Campanas an innovative mariachi and none is most apparent than the presence of the accordion, keyboards, and percussive instruments. The introduction of these instruments gives Campanas unmatched versatility and enhances the non-traditional music. Through the years, Campanas de America has gained broader national and international recognition from performances across the country. In fact, they are the first and only mariachi to display an instrument at the internationally recognized Hard Rock Café. Their list of appearances are numerous and just to name a few include:Aladdin Casino, Las Vegas Willie Nelson Farm Aid Bally's Hotel & Casino Austin Music Hall, (in conjunction w/ SXSW) Kumamoto Festival, Japan The Hollywood Bowl (10 concerts) The Kennedy Center for San Antonio Symphony Pops Concert(s) The Performing Arts Houston Symphony Concert-"Fiesta Sinfonica' The Hispanic Heritage Awards (1999,2000,2004) 1996-Presidential Hispanic Inaugural Gala (Wash., D.C.) 2003-Performance at the White House for President & Mrs. Bush 2004-Hispanic Heritage Awards- Televised nationwide on NBC & TELEMUNDO.In addition, Campanas continues to offer numerous mariachi workshops and concert in schools as well as participate in "Grammy in the Schools" a program through the national Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS). Campanas also continues to be featured artists at state fairs, festivals, and theme parks. Campanas' popularity continues to increase, as they are quickly becoming a"national treasure'.
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My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 5/14/2006
Band Website: campanasdeamerica.net
Band Members:
Juan Ortiz - Director, Violin

Marcos Garcia - Violin

Rhonda Garcia - Violin

Ernesto Sauceda - Violin

Anthony Medrano - Violin

Roland San Miguel - Guitarron, Trombone

Carlos Alvarez - Vihuela, Accordion, Keyboard, Guitar

David Silva - Guitar, Saxophone, Guitarron, Vihuela

Chris Ortiz - Guitar, Guitarra de Golpe, Vihuela, Guitarron, Trumpet

Carlos Salazar - Trumpet

Edwardo Rios - Trumpet

Michael Galvez - Trumpet

Influences:
Campanas De America is endorsed by Gibson/Epiphone guitars
Campanas getting down
See more campanas at Don Pablo's Restaurants. donpablos.com
Sounds Like:
Record Label: Tejas Records
Type of Label: Major