Sea concerts go south of the border

by F. Chester

Mariachi music, the folk music of Mexico, is practically synonymous with life in Southern California, and the surest way to make any event a celebration.

While there are dozens of groups performing this music in the San Diego area, one truly stands out, with a list of accomplishments that would put many chart toppers to shame, Mariachi Real de San Diego.

It's interesting to note that for the past 25 years, the group, one of San Diego's most popular music groups, has existed just under the radar, racking up major accomplishments including movies, television appearances and concerts, with little press attention.

While they have entertained thousands of people over the years, the band is little known outside their musical circles. It's an astounding fact considering the stature of some of the events the group has participated in.

Sports fans will know the band from their appearances at Qualcomm Stadium before Padres Sunday home games. Over the years, they have also played for many companies including Ford and both the Super Bowl and World Series, among many others.

"We've performed for both Ray Kroc and Wolfman Jack over the years," said group leader Pedro Gonzalez.

The Bonita-based Mariachi group has also performed at political functions, including the Republican National Convention and the inaugurations of former mayors Roger Hedgecock and Susan Golding.

"We play a lot of corporate events," he said. "Because we live in Southern California, everybody wants Mexican music. It's festive and really gets an event going, so we're kept pretty busy."

He's not kidding. Even with a full-time day job, he still manages to play hundreds of gigs a year.

"We play five to seven nights a week. I enjoy it, it's always something different. We've played countless hundreds of weddings and even a few funerals, parties for big companies and everything else in between."

When pressed for his most memorable performance, Gonzalez doesn't hesitate. Describing a scene right out of a movie, he said, "We played a divorce once. We were hired to play the last day of co-habitation. We were playing when the moving van came to take away the lady's things."

On a more serious note, he cites his role in a local event that has become a San Diego tradition, as a favorite.

"Every Cinco de Mayo, we kick off the celebration in Old Town. It's something we've done for the past 18 years, and it's kind of special," he said.

Gonzalez also mentioned that his group was offered a chance to tour with Bob Hope as part of his U.S.O tour in 1978, the very year they started performing.

"We were asked to take part in a Bob Hope USO tour playing bases all over the world," he said. "Unfortunately, I had to turn it down due to work commitments."

In addition to live performances, the group has also been highly visible in TV and film. They have appeared in such films as "Top Dog" starring Chuck Norris, and "Deadly Desire" starring Jack Scalia, as well as the TV miniseries "Space" with James Garner. They are also seen regularly on television in commercials for the Del Mar racing season.

La Jolla music fans will have a wonderful opportunity to see the Mariachi Real de San Diego, this Sunday when they perform at the free summer music festival, Concerts By The Sea, located in the scenic Scripps Park at the Cove. This free matinee event promises to be spectacular, with a full compliment of dancers, and much more.

"There will be a lot of energy, a lot of color," said Gonzalez. "In addition to us, we'll also have the Hispanic Mexican Ballet under the direction of Gustavo Guerrero on hand, as well as guest vocalist Enedina Lammers, and an MC. It'll be great family entertainment."

If you're a fan of Mexico's wonderful folk music, then make plans to attend this special concert. With the mix of the joyous tunes, including such certified classics as "Cielito Lindo" and "Guadalajara,"colorful costumes and the dazzling ocean view, there is no better way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Mariachi Real de San Diego will perform at the La Jolla Concerts By The Sea, at Scripps Park July 27 at 2 p.m. The event is free.