Mariachi Sol de Mexico returns to Tower

Published 12:00 am Thursday, March 7, 2019

Just two years shy of its 40th anniversary as a band, Mariachi Sol de Mexico remains steadfast in its mission to bring mariachi music and traditions to audiences around the world. Not to mention prolific: The group, led by fifth-generation mariachi and multi-instrumentalist Jóse Hernàndez, released two albums last year, including the holiday-themed “Merry-Achi Christmas” (based on the live show that played the Tower Theatre in 2014). The other album, “Leyendas de Mi Pueblo” (“Legends of My Land”), pays tribute to Mexican musicians Jorge Negrete, Pedro Infante, Miguel Aceves Mejía, Alfredo Jiménez, Javier Solis and Vicente Fernandez through six extended medleys reinterpreting each artist’s work. Expect plenty of these classics when the orchestra returns to the Tower Theatre on Friday for the first time since 2016. But don’t expect staid or stuffy performances, either. With collaborations with musicians such as Lady Gaga and Bryan Adams and appearances on soundtracks for films including “Rango” and “Seabiscuit,” Mariachi Sol de Mexico helps keep mariachi traditions moving forward.

Mariachi Sol de Mexico: 7:30 p.m. Friday; $32, $42 or $52 plus theater preservation fee; Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend; towertheatre.org or 541-317-0700.