Be immersed in culture and music with Jarabe Mexicano on Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in McCrary Theatre.
Sept. 15 marks the start of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and Elon is proud to welcome Jarabe Mexicano to the stage. Not only does the band bring a sense of culture and pride to campus, but they will also provide an amazing experience through incredible music.
Tavo Alcoser, Jr., lead singer for Jarabe Mexicano, said the band’s overall mission is “encouraging inclusion and community engagement through the arts.”
The band was formed in 2015 by Alcoser and Kevin Lomes, who plays the vihuela. Over the last nine years, Jarabe Mexicano has gained members and watched members move on. Now, Jarabe Mexicano has five faces: Alcoser, Lomes, Danny Brito (percussionist), Eduardo Valencia (guitarron) and Estaban Smith (guitarist).
“We value respect and communication in this band, which is essential for conflict resolution,” said Alcoser on whether the band has encountered challenges with each other over the years. “We’ve learned to treat each other like family because that’s what you are when you’re on the road.”
Being on tour and busy can take its toll at times. Nonetheless, Jarabe Mexicano has had its fair share of funny and memorable moments. Alcoser reminisced about a time when he had to make a pitstop to buy new shoes because he ripped the soles off his old ones from dancing during a show. This enthusiasm earned him the nickname “El Trompo,” or “the spinning top,” to his bandmates.
Unbeknownst to them, Jarabe Mexicano wasn’t only letting loose and having fun with their audience but encouraging them and motivating them as well. In one instance, a woman confided in the band, telling them she had cancer and was scared of what the future would bring. She told them that their music, specifically their bilingual rendition of Bob Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up (Semillas),” deeply empowered her to face her illness and fight for her life.
“We were shocked, honored and deeply moved by this encounter as we realized the effect that our performances could have on people, even as we felt like small fish in a huge sea,” Alcoser said.
That woman eventually beat cancer and has since stayed in remission: “The power of music is truly amazing,” said Alcoser.
Hispanic Heritage Month may mean different things to different people. Maybe a student hasn’t had the opportunity to hear music derived from such a rich culture or there are faculty members who would benefit from shaking off stress with the joy that music brings. There may even be individuals who were born in Hispanic countries who would feel a little more at home with the music.
“I’m optimistic that we can keep honoring our histories, our cultures and our traditions while also embracing change and creating a future that benefits and enriches us all,” Alcoser said.
What better way to spread awareness and knowledge on culture and heritage than through celebration and music? In such a politically diverse world, it’s important to find little things that may unite the masses.
“It’s a difficult task, but one that’s worth fighting for,” said Alcosar.
When asked if he had any advice to impart on college students pursuing aspirations and dreams, Alcoser stated that “dreams are extremely important but are only as useful as the effort you’re willing to invest into them. As you move forward in life, remember to always follow your gut instinct when it calls out to you and to never, ever lose faith in yourself.”
With their show “Fiesta En Familia: Home Is Where The Heart Is,” Jarabe Mexicano hopes that the people who attend their performances can feel like a part of the band’s extended family. They hope that regardless of background, the audience can spot a bit of themselves in the culture and music.
“Despite our differences, we ultimately belong to one human family,” he said.
Tickets are $15 or FREE with your Elon ID.