University Advancement

Public Relations and Strategic Communications

NEWS RELEASE

Mexico’s Musical Traditions to Celebrate the Holiday Season at CSUN Show

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Nov. 15, 2006) -- The rich musical traditions of Mexico will kick off the holiday season in ’Fiesta Navidad: Mexico and Its Music,’ on Sunday, Dec. 3, at Cal State Northridge’s Plaza del Sol Performance Hall.

The show, scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., will feature music and dance from regions throughout Mexico.

"This is a celebration of the holiday season as well as an exploration of the rich diversity of instruments, rhythm and culture of Mexico," said Jose Luis Vargas, director of Northridge’s Educational Opportunity Program and a coordinator of the show. "We hope those who attend get an appreciation for just how rich Mexico’s culture is."

The show will explore Mexico’s rich cultural heritage with music representing regions throughout the country, including Veracruz, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Chiapas and Mexico City. Performances include the marimba, a xylophone-like percussion instrument that can be found in Africa, Asia and Latin America, and the salterio, a four-sided string instrument with a flat soundboard and bottom that is played by plucking the strings. The genres of music include huapango, canión tradicional mexicana, bolero and canción ranchera.

Among the musical groups expected to perform are Orquestra Marimba Aquino, Conjunto Hueyapan, Trío Tradición Mexicana and Ixya Herrera and Mariachi Estrella de Jalisco. Many of the musical performances will be illustrated by members of the Pacífico Dance Company, California’s premiere Mexico folklórico dance ensemble.

Tickets for "Fiesta Navidad: Mexico and Its Music" are $30 for general admission, $25 for seniors and CSUN faculty and staff and $15 for students.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or from the Associated Students Ticket Office adjacent to the Plaza del Sol Performance Hall near the center of CSUN’s Sol Center (the University Student Union) on the east side of the campus off Zelzah Street. The ticket office is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached by calling (818) 677-2488.

Parking is $4 and permits may be obtained at the campus information booths on Darby Avenue and Prairie Street, Lindley Avenue and Nordhoff Street or Plummer Street and Zelzah Avenue. Permits may also be purchased at automated kiosks near the entrance to the parking lots.