Encanto Northern Lights Concert

Encanto Northern Lights Concert Featuring: José Iñiguez & Mariachi Huenachi with support from Celaire Studio Presented By: UAF Chancellor’s Office, UAF Department of Music, UAF Student Affairs with support from DJ ATM. Below is an informational piece on both José Iñiguez & the Wentachee H.S. Mariachi Huenachi Program. José Iñiguez José Iñiguez grew up in the small Washington farming community of Mattawa. Where he developed a profound love for two very different styles of music; classical opera and traditional Mexican mariachi bolero. By blending these two styles, he and the artists who perform with him, take you on a cultural journey that pairs the ethereal beauty of opera aria and classical piano with the charm of mariachi bolero. Through the encouragement and support of his family, Iñiguez began singing at family events at the age of 12. During his teenage years, he joined middle and high school choirs simply for the enjoyment of performing. During his senior year of high school, he entered his first state vocal contest and discovered his inner drive to perform. He studied with Sydney Knesselroad, PhD at Central Washington University, and currently studies under his professional mentor and retired opera performer, Jerry Hasley. Iñiguez has been nominated for the Governors Individual Heritage award for 2015 and is an award-winning 2016 Latin Music artist by Univision for his music program Encanto. Encanto is defined as a cultural journey that pairs the ethereal beauty of opera aria, classical piano and the charm of mariachi bolero. This past summer, Iñiguez completed a Washington State tour and is currently working with iconic and famous Roberto Lang Studios to bring you his first major recording studio album. This album will be submitted to the Grammy music awards. José has also been a huge supporter of the community through his music. Through his concerts he has raised over $150,000 for scholarships, art organizations and community groups. Wenatchee H.S. Mariachi Program - Directed by Ramon Rivera As featured on FOX , ABC Network, Despierta America, & the CBS Evening News, the Golden Apple Award winning Wenatchee School District’s Mariachi Program has been nationally recognized as being the fastest growing mariachi music program outside of Mexico, currently integrating over 300 participating students ages 9-18. The program first became popular among Hispanic & Latino students; but every year the program sees increased participation by non-Latino students as well.