GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) — From the guitar to el grito, the sound of mariachi music has a feel all its own.<\/p>\n
The distinctly Mexican art form has roots stretching back to the 18th century, but today, groups like Mariachi Estrella<\/a> have their eye on the future.<\/p>\n “We do a lot of performances that showcase different types of music,” Alexia Torres said. “We like to include songs that are more targeted towards our younger audience, and film a lot of social media content to help engage us with our viewers.”<\/p>\n For the Azusa-based Mariachi Estrella, the music is more than a performance. It is a way to connect with culture, tell stories, and bring people together through sound.<\/p>\n The group has its own story, too, one shaped by the musicians’ backgrounds and love for mariachi.<\/p>\n While mariachi has traditionally been a male-dominated genre, Mariachi Estrella is helping challenge that image.<\/p>\n “Mariachi Estrella was formed by three girls with a dream,” musician Daniela Rubio said. “We were in a very male-dominated field, and we wanted to try something with a women-empowering group.”<\/p>\n That individuality is part of what makes them stand out.<\/p>\n With four women in the group, their presence is not only part of the ensemble but helps shape their story.<\/p>\n For the musicians, that representation is personal.<\/p>\n “Mariachi music is so important because it connects me to my roots; it connects all of us to our roots,” Gabriela Muniz said. “The songs that we perform have been carried through generations, so being able to keep them alive makes us feel very proud.”<\/p>\n At the same time, Mariachi Estrella is finding ways to honor where the music comes from while making it relevant for today’s audience.<\/p>\n “That’s the beauty of Mariachi Estrella: we are playing traditional songs, but we’re also learning the new songs so that we can play for younger audiences that may ask to play Karol G or Bad Bunny,” Muniz said.<\/p>\n Whether they’re performing a longtime favorite or putting their own spin on a song, each performance gives the group another opportunity to share the music they love.<\/p>\n You can catch Mariachi Estrella at Golden Days in Azusa at Memorial Park, on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 4-6 p.m.<\/p>\n The event is free and open to the public.<\/p>\n More Local Events: ABC7 In Your Community<\/a> | Submit Your Event to ABC7<\/a><\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n