Mariachi in the Twenty-First Century

Academic interest in mariachi is rising, especially outside Mexico. This Element examines paths for mariachi studies and its future.

Donald A. Westbrook (Author)

9781009461337, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 17 October 2024

70 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 0.6 cm, 0.227 kg

This Element contributes to the interdisciplinary study of mariachi, especially in the United States, by focusing on two areas that have yet to receive substantive academic attention: philanthropy and museum studies. In 2011, UNESCO included mariachi music on its list of expressions of intangible cultural heritage. While it is undoubtedly true that mariachi is in many ways intangible, this downplays expressions of its rich material culture and the work of scholars to research mariachi history beyond an emphasis on musical performance. The first section considers mariachi collecting and philanthropy in the US, especially the efforts of Edward E. Marsh and Chris Strachwitz. The second section examines the first major mariachi history museum/exhibit in the US, managed by the Mariachi Scholarship Foundation and housed at Southwestern College in California. Finally, some open areas for research are proposed and appendices concerning mariachi studies in the US are provided.

Introduction: Mariachi studies and making the intangible tangible
1. Chris Strachwitz, Edward E. Marsh, collecting, philanthropy, and innovation
2. Mariachi scholarship foundation exhibit, southwestern college
3. A survey of some open areas for research
Appendix A: selected timeline of Mariachi studies and higher education programs in the US, 1960–2024
Appendix B: chart of Mariachi programs in American higher education, 1960–2020
Appendix C: Selected archival and digital collections
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Music [AV]