Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – For Crystal Hernandez, violinist and vocalist of Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles, mariachi is more than just music—it’s a movement. As she takes center stage at the Texas Southmost College Mariachi Festival’s Grand Concert, she carries with her the hopes of inspiring young musicians, especially young women, to pursue their passion for mariachi.
Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles will make history in Brownsville with their debut performance in the Rio Grande Valley on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. during Texas Southmost College Mariachi Festival at TSC’s Jacob Brown Auditorium. Founded in 1994 by mariachi maestro José Hernández, Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles has become a symbol of perseverance, discipline, and musical excellence in a traditionally male-dominated genre.
Hernandez vividly recalls her early experiences attending mariachi festivals, where she found a sense of belonging among fellow musicians. “Going to mariachi festivals provides the opportunity for meeting other like-minded people who share the same passion,” said Hernandez. “It is a place to connect, to create music together, and to be inspired by professional musicians.”
Through their groundbreaking performances, Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles has garnered international recognition, sharing the stage with legends like Vicki Carr, Lucha Villa, and Miguel Aceves Mejía while also performing for global icons like Tom Petty, Oprah Winfrey, and John Travolta. Their albums, Solo Tuya and El Mejor Mariachi Femenino del Mundo, continue to set a high standard in mariachi excellence.
Texas Southmost College is honored to host this historic performance as part of its mission to celebrate Mariachi heritage and elevate the arts within the community. Avigai Gonzalez, Texas Southmost College Project Administrator and TSC Music Instructor, emphasized the significance of Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles’ presence at the festival. “Their journey and musical brilliance serve as an inspiration to our students and community. Seeing them perform live will be a life-changing experience for many aspiring musicians.”
Watch the TSC Video below:
Hernandez hopes that the festival will not only entertain but also spark a newfound dedication among students. “Seeing a professional mariachi perform live is completely different from just listening to an album or watching a video. You get to see the musicians interpret the music, engage with the audience, and communicate with each other on stage. It’s about discipline, respect, and teamwork. That’s something that stays with you and motivates you to keep improving.”
For Hernandez, the most rewarding part of her journey is the opportunity to give back, guiding young musicians as both a performer and an instructor. “You never know who you’ll inspire in the audience,” she said. “Someone watching might decide that they want to dedicate themselves to their instrument, to work harder, and to come back next year even better.”
José Hernández, the legendary founder of Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles and Mariachi Sol de México, echoes the sentiment that mariachi is more than music—it’s a life lesson. “Mariachi teaches discipline, teamwork, and dedication,” he said. “It’s not just about creating professional musicians, but about helping students understand the value of hard work and commitment. That’s something they carry with them into all aspects of life.”
With Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles headlining, the Texas Southmost College Foundation Mariachi Festival is set to be a landmark event, uniting musicians, students, and mariachi enthusiasts in a celebration of culture and passion.
Tickets for the Grand Concert and additional event details can be found on the Mariachi Festival page at tsc.edu/mariachi . Music lovers are encouraged to secure their seats early for this historic night of mariachi excellence.
About Texas Southmost College
Originally established in 1926, Texas Southmost College currently offers the first two years toward a bachelor’s degree, along with career and technical education leading to certificates and associate degrees, college preparatory studies to prepare students for college-level work, workforce training, and continuing education. TSC offers 50 programs of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.
