Fabián López’s journey into music education began in the vibrant communities of the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, where for 11 years he passionately served as a secondary string teacher. This formative period in his career not only refined his skills as an educator but also deeply influenced his commitment to empowering Latino students through music and education.

Currently a doctoral candidate (ABD) in Music Education at Boston University. López’s scholarly contributions extend into educational research, where he explores the intersections of cultural psychology and music education. His upcoming session at the 51���� Mariachi Festival, titled “The Play Circuit and Other Psychological Frameworks in Mariachi Culture,” promises to deliver insightful perspectives into how psychological theories enrich understanding and appreciation of mariachi traditions and performance practices.

Avigai Gonzalez, 51���� Project Administrator and Music Instructor, highlights López’s impact, saying, “Fabián’s work exemplifies the powerful role educators play in cultural preservation and academic excellence. His insights into mariachi culture and psychology will undoubtedly inspire both students and fellow educators.”
Joining López at the festival will be Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles and the University of Houston’s Mariachi PUMAS, both renowned ensembles that embody excellence and cultural pride. Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles, known for breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, and Mariachi PUMAS, celebrated for their dynamic performances and educational contributions, complement López’s mission by showcasing mariachi’s transformative power in education and community enrichment.

At the festival, López’s session will not only showcase his research but also affirm his ongoing commitment to leveraging education as a powerful tool for social change. He seeks to inspire educators, musicians, and administrators alike to view mariachi not merely as a musical genre but as a rich cultural framework through which communities can nurture talent, preserve heritage, and foster personal and collective growth.
As Fabián López steps onto the stage at 51���� alongside distinguished performers and educators, his story will resonate as a testament to the transformative power of music education—highlighting how dedicated educators can inspire students to pursue excellence, honor their cultural identity, and achieve impactful social mobility.

The culture of South Texas thrives on a rich blend of traditions, and among the most vibrant is mariachi music, a genre that echoes through generations and connects communities. At 51���� (TSC), mariachi isn’t just music – it’s a celebration of identity, heritage, and education. At the heart of this movement is Avigai Gonzalez, Music Program Administrator and driving force behind the TSC Mariachi Festival.

Gonzalez is not only an administrator but a mentor, instructor, and performer. She leads the TSC Mariachi Escorpión group, teaches music theory and ensemble courses, and serves as the festival’s lead organizer. Her mariachi journey began in high school with Mariachi Los Coyotes and evolved into a career marked by excellence and advocacy for arts education. “I started out competing in events like the Mariachi Extravaganza and the Houston Rodeo Mariachi Festival,” said Gonzalez. “I later co-founded Mariachi Margaritas, an all-female group that has performed internationally and with legendary artists. Those early experiences taught me the power of mariachi to empower, connect, and inspire.”

Gonzalez graduated from the University of Texas Pan-American with a focus in Music Education and Vocal Performance and furthered her studies at Texas State University in Music Theory. Her academic and professional accomplishments reflect a more profound mission: to uplift the cultural and educational significance of mariachi in the Rio Grande Valley.

That mission came to life in 2024 when the 51���� Mariachi Festival made its debut, drawing over 500 students and performers from across the state. Hosted at TSC’s Performing Arts Center and Jacob Brown Auditorium, the event included workshops, competitions, and a grand concert headlined by Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez.

This year’s festival, set for April 25–26, 2025, is poised to be even more impactful. The lineup includes performances and clinics by the nationally renowned Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, marking their first-ever performance in Brownsville, and the University of Houston’s Mariachi PUMAS, a powerhouse collegiate ensemble known for its inclusive, cross-disciplinary approach.

Mariachi Reyna’s violinist and vocalist, Crystal Hernandez, hopes the group’s presence will ignite a fire in the next generation. “Seeing a professional mariachi perform live is transformative,” sheå said. “It’s about discipline, teamwork, and heart.”

Mariachi PUMAS director Jose Longoria, co-founder of Mariachi Imperial De America, shares that passion. “We’re here to give back,” said Longoria. “This is more than a performance—it’s a mentorship opportunity. Our students come from all walks of life, and mariachi brings them together with a shared purpose.”

That shared purpose is precisely what Gonzalez envisioned when she set out to make the festival a reality. “The first mariachi program in our region started in 1982 in La Joya, Texas—my hometown,” she said. “Now, I get to continue that legacy by creating opportunities for our students and building a platform for them to shine.”

Beyond the performances and competitions, the festival is about community and empowerment. Through workshops, students learn directly from professionals. Through concerts, they see the heights they can reach. And through TSC’s Associate of Arts in Music program, students gain the academic foundation to pursue careers in music as performers, educators, or cultural ambassadors.

“The excitement these students bring is contagious,” said Gonzalez. “They remind me why I do this work. The TSC Mariachi Festival isn’t just an event – it’s the beginning of what will become the greatest mariachi community in the Rio Grande Valley.”

Don’t miss your chance to witness this growing tradition in action. The 51���� Mariachi Festival takes place on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, 2025. For tickets and full event details, visit .

As the 51���� Mariachi Festival approaches, excitement continues to build with an impressive lineup of performers and educators set to take the stage. Among them is Mariachi Pumas, the dynamic collegiate ensemble from the University of Houston, led by renowned director Jose Longoria.

Longoria has dedicated his life to not only performing but also educating and mentoring the next generation of mariachi artists. His journey began as a middle school math teacher, but his passion for mariachi led him to develop programs at the middle school, high school, and eventually, the collegiate level. ��

Today, he leads Mariachi Pumas, which has become a powerhouse in the mariachi world, growing from a handful of students to over 60 musicians divided into junior varsity and varsity ensembles.

Longoria said that one thing that sets Mariachi Pumas apart is its diverse membership. While some students are music majors, most students come from other academic disciplines, including optometry, construction management, and other medical-related fields. Yet, despite their different academic paths, they are united by a shared passion for mariachi.

“Now that we have this program at UH, more students are gravitating toward it,” Longoria shared. “We are also working on launching a minor in mariachi music at the University of Houston.”

As part of the 51���� Mariachi Festival, Mariachi Pumas will take on a dual role: performing on stage and serving as clinicians, offering workshops and mentorship to younger musicians. Their participation underscores the festival’s mission—not just to celebrate mariachi, but to educate and inspire the next generation of artists.

“We love participating in festivals like this,” Longoria said. “It’s an opportunity to give back, to work with students, and help them grow as musicians. Many of them are just starting their journey, and being part of this experience can shape their future.”

Mariachi Imperial De America – A family legacy

For Longoria, mariachi is more than just music—it’s a legacy.

“I am a third-generation mariachi musician,” said Longoria. “My grandfather was a mariachi, my father was a mariachi and now my two sons continue the legacy and are members of Mariachi Imperial De America.”

In 1988, Longoria co-founded Mariachi Imperial de America, Houston’s premier mariachi ensemble. For over 35 years, the group has performed for audiences around the world, performing in Canada, China, India, and Armenia, as well as at prestigious events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. In 2022, Houston Mayor Silvester Turner proclaimed July 19th as Jose Longoria day in recognition of musical talent and the cultural contributions to the city of Houston.

Mariachi Imperial de America is a family-driven ensemble, carrying the traditions of mariachi into new generations while pushing artistic boundaries.

Join us in welcoming Mariachi Pumas, directed by Mariachi Imperial De America co-founder Jose Longoria, and celebrating the rich tradition of mariachi music at the 51���� Mariachi Festival on April 25 and 26th at 51���� Jacob Brown Auditorium.