FIESTA MEXICANA, A Spectacular South-Of-The-Border Fiesta, Celebrates Mexico's Rich Arts Culture

Fiesta Mexicana celebrates Mexico's rich folk music and dance traditions with a vibrant, colorful performance. This production comes to Lincoln Theater on March 2nd and features Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno and will be accompanied by popular Oakland-based band, Mariachi Colima de Javier Magellan.

Founded in 1967 by Carlos Moreno, the Ballet Folklorico Mexicano has achieved recognition both in the United States and in Mexico. In 1980, the Mexican consulate in San Francisco named the company the official ambassador for ongoing cultural activities with Mexico. It has held that distinction for over twenty years during which time it regularly conducts tours across Mexico.

Drawing on the artistic variety of Mexico's different regions, the Ballet Folklorico Mexicano has a diverse repertoire, which the Los Angeles Times raved 'has much appeal' and is 'inventive', ranging from traditional dances to dances integrating artistic elements of more contemporary choreography. In this way, the indigenous rhythms of Tarascan Indian dances from central Mexico stand in contrast to more contemporary courtship dances from that region. Similarly, the African influences which characterize dances from the Gulf of Mexico are juxtaposed by the Mexican polkas that mark the influence of Europeans from the north.

Accompanying Ballet Folklorico Mexicano is San Francisco Bay Area band, Mariachi Colima. Performing for over 25 years, Mariachi Colima has accompanied many prestigious Mexican singers, including Lucha Villa, Valente Pastor, Rosenda Bernal, Aida Cuevas, Lucero, and Pedro Fernandez. In 1994, in support of Mexico's national soccer team, Mariachi Colima was chosen to perform in the qualifying games for the 1994 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament, held at the Oakland Coliseum. That same year, the city of San Francisco invited these accomplished troubadours to welcome ex-president George Bush. Throughout the years, Mariachi Colima has delighted audiences throughout Northern California, performing in many private and sponsored events, as well as for the Mexican Consulate in San Francisco.

Together, Ballet Folklorico Mexicano and Mariachi Colima will take you on a tour through Mexico's rich cultural heritage in this spectacular South-of-the-Border fiesta!

Fiesta Mexicana will be performed on Saturday, March 2nd at 7pm at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville. Ticket prices are $30 and $45. To purchase tickets go to www.lincolntheater.org or call the Box Office at 707-944-9900.