Conjunto Hueyapan
Performing at 3:30 pm
One of Oxnard's treasures, the Herrera Family has deep roots in Oxnard, California. Tómas and Concepción Herrera
settled here in 1943. Three decades later, their children formed Conjunto Hueyapan, which now includes grandchildren as well.
Conjunto Hueyapan is nationally renowned as a group of family members who are dedicated to the performance of son jarocho the
music of the Veracruz region of Mexico. Professor Fermín Herrera of the California State University, Northridge founded
Conjunto Hueyapan in 1973. Conjunto Hueyapan consists of four brothers (Fermín, Andrés, Jorge and Tomás Herrera), one sister (María Isabel Herrera)
and Fermín's two sons (Xocoyotzin and Motecuhzomah). The family ensemble has dedicated itself to the performance and research of the son jarocho.
Fermín Herrera, director & harpist, is a UCLA alumnus and currently a Professor of Chicano Studies at
California State University, Northridge. His film credits include La Bamba; Luis Valdez Corridos: Tales of Passion and Revolution;
and Malaqué. His recording credits include harpist with rock en español group Jaguares ("La Vida no es igual"); harpist in
Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano CD, "The Sounds of Mariachi"; harpist in Linda Ronstadt's Fiesta Mexicana concerts. Fermin is
also the writer and director for "El Son Jarocho", "Mariachi Performance Techniques, Vols 1-5".
María Isabel Herrera, jarana, zapateado, and vocals, is a UCLA alumnus and currently a Professor of Chicano Studies
at California State University, Northridge. She was a former Visiting Professor of Dance at UCLA and a National Endowment for the Arts
recipient, 1979. Her area of specialization is the Dance of Mexico.
Andrés Herrera, jarana and vocals was a former football player at UCLA and currently is the City of Oxnard's Mayor Pro Tem.
Jorgé Herrera, jarana, huapanguera,, guitar and vocals, was a National Endowment for the Arts recipient in 1980.
Tomás Herrera, requinto jarocho and vocals, was a National Endowment for the Arts recipient in 1980.
Xocoyotzin Herrera, harp and lead vocals, huapanguera, jarana huasteca is a UCLA alumnus and currently an Instructor of
Chicano Studies (Mexican Music) at California State University, Northridge. He was a National Endowment for the Arts recipient in 1986.
He was a guest harpist for the Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández and Mariachi Los Gavilanes;
harpist and requinto performer with the rock en español group Jaguares ("La Vida no es igual"), instructor, Tucson Mariachi International
Conference and a performer on huapanguera, guitar and requinto jarocho in Ixya Herrera: Primavera CD (Ocean Breeze Records).
Motecuhzomah Herrera, harp jarana, violín huasteco, huapanguera and vocals, is a UCLA alumnus. He was a guest harpist with
Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano; instructor, Tucson Mariachi International Conference; a performer on jarana jarocho in Ixya Herrera:
Primavera CD (Ocean Breeze Records); and a jarana performer with the rock en español group Jaguares ("La Vida no es igual").
Conjunto Hueyapan has conducted several important research projects that have resulted in the documentation and preservation
of the son mexicano in general and of the son jarocho in particular. It has performed in colleges, universities, and concert halls throughout
the US, Mexico and Europe. Group members learned to play jarocho music in their native California and perfected their skills under the guidance
of master musicians in Mexico City and Veracruz such as Lino Chaves, Mario Barradas, and others. Performance credits for Conjunto Hueyapan include
the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, President Reagan's 1985 Inaugural Ball, the Hollywood Bowl,
the Greek Theater in Hollywood, and numerous other venues and television programs throughout the US and Mexico.
Return to Home page
|
