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Concert brings warmth of Mexico

El Mariachi Los Dorados include Blu and Kelly Hopkins at Carlin Hall on March 23

El Mariachi Los Dorados has been bringing the music of sunny Mexico to the B.C. Interior for 10 years.

A fiesta of sound, the concert heralds the approach of spring, something high on the wish list of many Shuswap residents.

“This year, we have a new CD of original mariachi music that we’re showcasing songs created by four of the group’s composers and arrangers,” says band rep Diego Kohl. “We rehearsed and recorded the songs and they turned out great; it’s wonderful music we’ll be submitting to the Junos in the World Music category.”

Kohl is particularly happy about this year’s tour because two previous albums were covers of traditional mariachi music. But tradition will also be part of the band’s repertoire this year by playing some of the traditional mariachi songs and taking requests from the audience.

The concert will also feature little bit of history as El Mariachi Los Dorados’ bandleader is well-versed in the history and the culture of mariachi music and has been lecturing at various Lower Mainland colleges.

“We were down in Mexico in the fall for a fourth time representing Canada at the Mariachi Festival in Guadalajara and we brought back that energy, we just feel renewed,” says Kohl. “The new mariachi style is always evolving and we find it important to connect with the source.”

The concert will also feature two trumpets players from the Kamloops Symphony, which Kohl says elevates both the mood and the level of the band’s musicianship.

Kohl is also excited by the band’s new ride – a 15-passenger van clearly marked with the band’s name.

Adding to the fiesta fun will be Blu & Kelly Hopkins, an award-winning, songwriting, multi-instrumentalist duo, playing original material and covers of acoustic music.

Shuswap audiences can join the fiesta at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23 at Carlin Hall. Advance tickets are $20 and are available at Acorn Music in Salmon Arm.