Count Basie Theatre Announces First-Ever Basie Mariachi Festival

Festival of Mexican Heritage Kicks off Cinco de Mayo Weekend at
Red Bank’s Historic Count Basie Theatre

RED BANK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Drawing on years of successful and renowned Cinco de Mayo concert
celebrations, the Count Basie Theatre today announced its first-ever
mariachi festival, to take place on Friday, May 4, 2018 at the historic
nonprofit theater.

Tickets for the BASIE MARIACHI FESTIVAL, priced at $25, are on
sale now through theBASIE.org, phone charge at 732.842.9000 and the
Basie box office.

The BASIE MARIACHI FESTIVAL stars New York’s all-female Mariachi Flor
de Toloache, celebrated Xalapa, Mexico natives Villalobos Brothers,
and Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, the nonprofit Queens-based
troupe that teaches dance and advocates for the preservation and display
of Mexican culture.

“Mariachi music is the heart and soul of Mexican culture and tradition,”
said Adam Philipson, President and CEO, Count Basie Theatre. “The
Basie is part of a community rich in Hispanic heritage and our Mariachi
Festival will be a celebration of the diversity of our region. “

“We grew up in Mexico,” noted Alberto Villalobos, one of the
three, violin-wielding Villalobos Brothers, “going to formal
music school and also playing rancheras (traditional,
pre-revolution Mariachi) and boleros (slow-tempo,
Latin-influenced music) with our grandmother. Our love for music has
grown every day — and now, we are a touring band, exploring the sounds
of many different styles of music including of course Mexican folk.”

“We are excited to join forces with the historic Count Basie Theatre in
this authentic celebration of Mexican culture in the city of Red Bank
and we are looking forward to meeting many new friends there.”

“Calpulli and the Count Basie Theatre have been partners now for a few
years,” said Juan Castro, Managing Director, Calpulli Mexican Dance
Company. “I can say that without a doubt that the leaders at the Count
Basie Theatre are committed to their community, which is a value we
share. Their year-long work to have the Mexican and Hispanic community
in general represented in their programming both on stage and through
education attests to their commitment.”

For more information about the Basie Mariachi Festival or other
theater-related events, contact Jonathan Vena at jvena@countbasietheatre.org.

Contacts

Count Basie Theatre
Jonathan Vena
jvena@countbasietheatre.org