Mariachi Campanas de America performed their annual Valentine’s concert in Thiry Auditorium on Saturday in front of a packed crowd. The spectacular event was nearly sold out.
Opening for Campanas was Southwest Legacy High School and Lanier High School mariachis. Special guests included Johnathan Palomar, of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán fame, and Mateo Lopez, the world’s youngest mariachi (son of Janelle Lopez, OLLU alumna).
The is the first Campanas Valentine’s concert since the passing of Belle Ortiz. One of the founders of Campanas, Belle helped bring the Valentine’s concert to OLLU, her alma mater, almost 20 years ago. There was a special tribute to Belle during the show and her favorite front-row seat was left empty in her memory.
The annual concert is produced by Elizabeth Longoria, OLLU Director of Campus and Community Engagement, and the University Events team.