-America's Entertainment Mariachi-
Characterizing the music of Campanas de America as simply 'mariachi' does not
describe the entire musical spectrum produced by this group of multi-talented
musicians. This premier American musical ensemble is made so distinct by its' ability to
combine traditional Mexican mariachi music with Latin and mainstream pop rhythms.
From the traditional folkloric 'La Negra' to toe-tapping, boot-scootin 'Lone Star
Medley' Campanas de America typifies the essence of what it means to be a Mexican-
American. Under the charge of Musical Director, Juan Ortiz, Campanas de America
appeals to a wide audience. Young, old, Spanish and non-Spanish speaking are
fascinated with the sights and sounds of this modern day, maverick mariachi group.
Often times, spectators are so moved by the music that they forge as improptu dance
floor in mid-performance. Dancing coupled with ''gritos'', or Mexican yells of
enthusiasm, transforms a Campanas concert into an instant fiesta.
Founded in 1978 in San Antonio, TX, Campanas de America (Bells of America) was
named after Belle Ortiz, Juan's wife and the group's manager. Through their tireless
efforts and dedication, the troupe has quickly gained national recognition and public
support, and has attributed much of its' success to the philosophy that "education is
key". Campanas has and continues to be one of the main forces behind mariachi
education programs in public schools. Much so, that several of the members of
Campanas are instructors in various public school musical programs in their hometown
of San Antonio, TX.
There are many factors that make Campanas an innovative mariachi and none is most
apparent than the presence of the accordion, keyboards, and percussive instruments.
The introduction of these instruments gives Campanas unmatched versatility and
enhances the non-traditional music. Through the years, Campanas de America has
gained broader national and international recognition from performances across the
country. In fact, they are the first and only mariachi to display an instrument at the
internationally recognized Hard Rock Café.
Their list of appearances are numerous and just to name a few include:
In addition, Campanas continues to offer numerous mariachi workshops and concert in
schools as well as participate in "Grammy in the Schools" a program through the
national Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS). Campanas also continues
to be featured artists at state fairs, festivals, and theme parks. Campanas' popularity
continues to increase, as they are quickly becoming a"national treasure'.
Characterizing the music of Campanas de America as simply 'mariachi' does not
describe the entire musical spectrum produced by this group of multi-talented
musicians. This premier American musical ensemble is made so distinct by its' ability to
combine traditional Mexican mariachi music with Latin and mainstream pop rhythms.
From the traditional folkloric 'La Negra' to toe-tapping, boot-scootin 'Lone Star
Medley' Campanas de America typifies the essence of what it means to be a Mexican-
American. Under the charge of Musical Director, Juan Ortiz, Campanas de America
appeals to a wide audience. Young, old, Spanish and non-Spanish speaking are
fascinated with the sights and sounds of this modern day, maverick mariachi group.
Often times, spectators are so moved by the music that they forge as improptu dance
floor in mid-performance. Dancing coupled with ''gritos'', or Mexican yells of
enthusiasm, transforms a Campanas concert into an instant fiesta.
Founded in 1978 in San Antonio, TX, Campanas de America (Bells of America) was
named after Belle Ortiz, Juan's wife and the group's manager. Through their tireless
efforts and dedication, the troupe has quickly gained national recognition and public
support, and has attributed much of its' success to the philosophy that "education is
key". Campanas has and continues to be one of the main forces behind mariachi
education programs in public schools. Much so, that several of the members of
Campanas are instructors in various public school musical programs in their hometown
of San Antonio, TX.
There are many factors that make Campanas an innovative mariachi and none is most
apparent than the presence of the accordion, keyboards, and percussive instruments.
The introduction of these instruments gives Campanas unmatched versatility and
enhances the non-traditional music. Through the years, Campanas de America has
gained broader national and international recognition from performances across the
country. In fact, they are the first and only mariachi to display an instrument at the
internationally recognized Hard Rock Café.
Their list of appearances are numerous and just to name a few include:
 | Aladdin Casino, Las Vegas | |
| Willie Nelson Farm Aid | |
| Bally's Hotel & Casino | |
| Austin Music Hall, (in conjunction w/ SXSW) | |
| Kumamoto Festival, Japan | |
| The Hollywood Bowl (10 concerts) | |
| The Kennedy Center | |
| San Antonio Symphony Pops Concert(s) | |
| The Performing Arts Houston Symphony Concert-"Fiesta Sinfonica' | |
| The Hispanic Heritage Awards (1999,2000,2004) | |
| 1996-Presidential Hispanic Inaugural Gala (Wash., D.C.) | |
| 2003, 2008-Performance at the White House for President & Mrs. Bush | |
| 2004-Hispanic Heritage Awards- Televised nationwide on NBC & | |
| TELEMUNDO. |
schools as well as participate in "Grammy in the Schools" a program through the
national Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS). Campanas also continues
to be featured artists at state fairs, festivals, and theme parks. Campanas' popularity
continues to increase, as they are quickly becoming a"national treasure'.
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