Righetti High School Marimba Band and Ballet Folklorico will celebrate traditional Mexican and Latino music during performances of its annual Big Show, March 18 and 19.
The shows, which have become a community favorite, start at 7:30 p.m. inside the historic Ethel Pope Auditorium at Santa Maria High School, 901 S. Broadway.
Forty student musicians and dancers will re-create folk performances from the regions of Baja California Norte, Nuevo Leon, Jalisco, Veracruz, and Revolucion. Mariachi-style, Latin pop, ’60s rock, ballets, and swing-infused zoot suit songs are part of the program too.
In a press release, seniors Yesenia Beas and Lupita Alvarado said the Big Show is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.
“It’s a time when all of our families and loved ones come together to reminisce on the heritage and culture of our ancestors,” Alvarado said in the release. “When those big curtains rise up and the crowd is revealed, that’s when we put our best foot forward. As we dance, sing, and play our instruments we begin to notice the smiles and realize it was worth all the hard work.”
Since 1975, the Marimba Band and Ballet Folklorico has given more than 1,500 performances for local schools, civic organizations, and community groups throughout the Central Coast.
Tickets are available at student business offices at Righetti, Pioneer Valley, and Santa Maria high schools. Advance-sale tickets are $10 for all age groups. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $12.
This article appears in Feb 25 – Mar 3, 2016.