Hammer Theatre Center: "Flor de Toloache & Villalobos Brothers"

This January, Hammer Theatre Center brings a lively celebration of Mexican music and culture to San Jose with Latin Grammy-winning mariachi band Flor de Toloache and acclaimed Mexican musical group the Villalobos Brothers. New York City’s first and only all-female mariachi group, Flor de Toloache delights audiences around the world with its enlightened interpretation of traditional mariachi instruments. Considered one of the today’s leading contemporary Mexican ensembles, the Villalobos Brothers masterfully blend Mexican folk music with jazz and classical music. The two bands will come together to deliver a night filled with colorful takes on the time-honored sounds of Mexico. Flor de Toloache and Villalobos Brothers will be presented 7:30pm, Thursday, January 31 at the Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose. For more information and tickets, the public may visit www.hammertheatre.com or call (408) 924-8501.

Founded in 2008, Flor de Toloache made New York City history as its first mariachi band consisting of all women. Originally a trio reminiscent of early mariachi groups complete with a harp, violin, and vihuela, the band has since expanded to a full mariachi ensemble. The diverse cultural backgrounds of its group members give Flor de Toloache its unique flavor and sound, with musicians hailing from Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Australia, Colombia, Germany, Italy, and the United States. In 2015, the band’s critically acclaimed self-titled debut album received a Latin Grammy nomination for “Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album,” and the group also landed the win in 2017 for its latest album “Las Caras Lindas.” The group’s popularity skyrocketed after their collaboration with rock supergroup The Arcs and live performances praised by Rolling Stone, Billboard Magazine, The New Yorker, GQ Magazine, and The New York Times. Working to preserve centuries old traditions of mariachi, Flor de Toloache’s versatile and fresh take on the traditional sounds of Mexico pushes the boundaries of the genre and brings mariachi music to new audiences.

Growing up in Xalapa, Mexico, the Villalobos Brothers (Ernesto, Alberto, and Luis) spent their childhood listening to their grandmother Cristina Vásquez sing traditional songs while accompanying herself on the guitar and accordion. Classically trained as violinists, the brothers learned to sing and play other instruments, including piano and guitar. Since adding Artistic Director and guitarist Humberto Flores, drummer Rosa Avila, and bassist Leo Sherman to their ensemble, the group has performed worldwide, won numerous accolades, and was chosen as Artist in Residence at Lincoln Center, 92nd Street Y, Latino Arts, and the New York Botanical Garden’s record-breaking exhibit “Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life.” Delivering a powerful message of love, brotherhood, and social justice by masterfully blending elements of jazz, rock, classical, and Mexican folk, the Villalobos Brothers use their violins and voices to redefine contemporary Mexican music.

The Hammer Theatre Center is a distinctive, state-of-the-art performance venue in the heart of downtown San José. Owned by the City of San José and newly operated by San José State University (SJSU), the Hammer Theatre’s mission is to serve the community through artistically and educationally excellent programming that is expressive of the unique characteristics and diverse cultures that comprise Silicon Valley. The broader vision of the Hammer includes arts, innovation, and technology programming on the Paseo de San Antonio, creating a vibrant pathway between SJSU and the Tech Museum and bridging the urban spaces from Saint James Park down to the South of First Avenue cultural district. The Hammer also aims to connect SJSU’s more than 37,000 faculty, students, and staff with the downtown cultural and economic corridors.