Texas Border Business
As the Texas Southmost College Mariachi Festival approaches, excitement continues to build with an impressive lineup of performers and educators set to take the stage. Among them is Mariachi Pumas, the dynamic collegiate ensemble from the University of Houston, led by renowned director Jose Longoria.
Longoria has dedicated his life to not only performing but also educating and mentoring the next generation of mariachi artists. His journey began as a middle school math teacher, but his passion for mariachi led him to develop programs at the middle school, high school, and eventually, the collegiate level.
Today, he leads Mariachi Pumas, which has become a powerhouse in the mariachi world, growing from a handful of students to over 60 musicians divided into junior varsity and varsity ensembles.
Longoria said that one thing that sets Mariachi Pumas apart is its diverse membership. While some students are music majors, most students come from other academic disciplines, including optometry, construction management, and other medical-related fields. Yet, despite their different academic paths, they are united by a shared passion for mariachi.
“Now that we have this program at UH, more students are gravitating toward it,” Longoria shared. “We are also working on launching a minor in mariachi music at the University of Houston.”
As part of the Texas Southmost College Mariachi Festival, Mariachi Pumas will take on a dual role: performing on stage and serving as clinicians, offering workshops and mentorship to younger musicians. Their participation underscores the festival’s mission to celebrate mariachi, as well as educate and inspire the next generation of artists.
“We love participating in festivals like this,” Longoria said. “It’s an opportunity to give back, to work with students, and help them grow as musicians. Many of them are just starting their journey, and being part of this experience can shape their future.”
Mariachi Imperial De America – A family legacy
For Longoria, mariachi is more than just music; it’s a legacy.
“I am a third-generation mariachi musician,” said Longoria. “My grandfather was a mariachi, my father was a mariachi and now my two sons continue the legacy and are members of Mariachi Imperial De America.”
In 1988, Longoria co-founded Mariachi Imperial de America, Houston’s premier mariachi ensemble. For over 35 years, the group has performed for audiences around the world, performing in Canada, China, India, and Armenia, as well as at prestigious events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. In 2022, Houston Mayor Silvester Turner proclaimed July 19th as Jose Longoria day in recognition of musical talent and the cultural contributions to the city of Houston.
Mariachi Imperial de America is a family-driven ensemble, carrying the traditions of mariachi into new generations while pushing artistic boundaries.
Join us in welcoming Mariachi Pumas, directed by Mariachi Imperial De America co-founder Jose Longoria, and celebrating the rich tradition of mariachi music at the Texas Southmost College Mariachi Festival on April 25 and 26th at Texas Southmost College Jacob Brown Auditorium.
