Group of former Milwaukee students bring Mexico to the area through music as 'Mariachi Monarcas'

MILWAUKEE (CBS58) -- It’s often said that music is a universal language. When you hear a guitar strummed, a trumpet, or a violin - even without knowing the lyrics - you'll likely understand what message is being conveyed.

Mariachi Monarcas in Milwaukee is sharing their love of music while bringing a piece of home to Milwaukee.

"It’s a piece of their homeland that’s present in a foreign state" shared Francisco Hernandez, director of Mariachi Monarcas. He said he was born in Mexico, moving to Milwaukee when he was seven or eight years old. For him, playing mariachi music is a way to bring a "connection" to his heritage.

Mariachi music is traditionally played at big celebrations like birthdays, and weddings. Hernandez said, "It adds a lot of color."

Mariachi Monarcas is made up of a group of former students from the Latino Arts Strings Program. "We’ve been performing since we were five or six [years old], so there’s a lot of history behind that not just from musicianship perspective but also as friends. And almost like a family now," he said.

The hobby quickly turned into a career. Hernandez said he started calling his friends eight years ago asking if they'd want to start their own business since they're all around the same age and have been classically trained for years.

A typical mariachi group is made up of a section of violins, trumpets, a guitar, and a guitarron (a larger bass guitar).

"There's an art to the stage presence that comes with it" shared Hernandez. Performers don traditional mariachi-wear including a three-piece suit, with botines (boots), botonaduras (buttons on the sides of pants), and a tie. Hernandez said their outfits also showcase embroidery.

Through music, the group fills a need in our community: "there’s a lot of demand but not a lot of mariachi groups around. At east in the Midwest, and specifically here in Milwaukee" he said.

Hernandez says they play multiple events every Friday and Saturday, from March to December. They're often hired for private events and have played at festivals. While most of the members are Mexican American, it allows them to connect back to their heritage, thousands of miles away. "You're living here, you know you’re American, but you don't want to let go of your background, your roots. So, it’s important to perform it" continued Hernandez.

Their performances showcase their passion, and the audience's said Hernandez, "it always brings me joy to bring my community the opportunity to listen to the music live. And bring it all the way to not just the states but Wisconsin, right? For someone in Mexico - to tell them there’s a Mariachi band in Wisconsin, it’s bizarre but kind of cool."

For more information on Mariachi Monarcas, click here.