Band performs mixture of traditional, pop songs

The Whitefish Theatre Company is thrilled to present San Diego-based Latin fusion band Jarabe Mexicano who are performing for the first time in Montana. Called “heartfelt and engaging,” Jarabe Mexicano will play one night only on Friday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Inspired by Latin American popular dance music and versatile modern mariachi music, Jarabe Mexicano embodies the dynamic energy and celebration of their bicultural roots. As jarabe means “mixture” in Spanish, Jarabe Mexicano performs a mixture of traditional as well as popular genres. Their renditions of classic Rancheras, Huapangos, Sones, and Boleros fill their listeners with romantic nostalgia while their dynamic arrangements of Cumbia, Reggae, and Rock & Roll hits bring people to their feet. Performing on traditional mariachi instruments accompanied by lively percussion, Jarabe’s arrangements feature stunning harmonized vocals in Spanish and English. Jarabe’s mashup of “La Bamba” and “Twist and Shout” is a crowd favorite and cultural anthropologist and award-winning author Alejandro Lugo raved that their rendition of folk song “La Malagueña” is “simply the best I’ve heard in decades, if not ever.”

Bursting onto the Latin music scene in 2015 with extraordinary momentum, Jarabe takes a special interest in celebrating Latino cultures throughout their multi-city tours. In 2016, the band embarked on a U.S. Consulate-sponsored outreach tour of Baja California Sur where they represented the U.S. at the 10th Annual International Arts & Culture Festival for Peace in La Paz, Mexico. The quintet, with its eclectic border spirit, stands out with performances by lead vocalist Gustavo Alcoser, José Martín Márquez on requinto, Kevin Lomes on vihuela, Chris Behrens with his guitarrón, and musical director Danny Brito on percussion.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for students with reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish, or by calling 862-5371. Box office hours are from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before a performance. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org. This show is sponsored by Rebecca and Ched Lyman.