Mariachi Magic at Dodger Stadium: How the Music Brings Culture, Tradition and Passion to Fans

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Mariachi music is an integral part of Mexican-American culture, especially in Los Angeles, and a place where you can certainly do it feel The magic of tradition lies in Dodger Stadium.

“I am so happy that we represent our culture. Mariachi and mariachi music make everyone happy,” said Julian Torres, a mariachi artist signed to Death Row Records who occasionally performs at the stadium.

Torres was born in Hawthorne to Mexican parents who introduced him to the mariachi genre at an early age. According to his websiteOne of his proudest moments was singing both the American and Mexican national anthems at Dodger Stadium in the presence of his parents.

“Obviously you’re in LA, so there are so many cultures there,” he said. “The greatest culture is ‘cultura Mexicana’.” I love performing here. I feel like I’m at home.”

Even Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly, who stole the show in 2020 when he went to the White House in a mariachi jacket to celebrate the team’s World Series victory, knows how special music is to the culture.

“The commercial now always plays on bobblehead night and someone’s son is always running around saying ‘Mariachi Joe,'” Kelly said with a smile. “So this is the big hit in the Kelly household right now.”

For Anisette Noperi, who plays violin for a local mariachi band, there is power in every song.

“I am very proud to say that I am Latina and could represent women mariachi here,” she told Eyewitness News before a performance at Dodger Stadium. “I love the Dodgers. Even if you’ve never played music before, you’ll remember it because it makes you feel like that.”

And that is the magic of music.

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