On Saturday, Oct. 7, Serenata de Tríos, established in 1998, celebrated its silver anniversary in front of a sold-out audience at Murphy Recital Hall. The event was co-sponsored by KXLU radio, Chicano Latino Student Services, and the Latino Alumni Association. Serenata de Trios and its alumni DJs, Ernesto Colín and Anabel Márquez, received special recognition from the Latino Alumni Association for their 25 years on the air, which equals 1,327 broadcasts. Also in attendance were longtime KXLU DJs Pat Murphy, Rosalva Lara, Chris Johnson, Hugo Rujueles, Yolanda Mesmer, Station Engineer Maki Tamura, and Station Director Lydia Ammossow. In their opening remarks, Ernesto and Anabel detailed the origins of the show and recognized numerous people who helped sustain Serenata de Tríos, including Erick Cifuentes and several dearly departed KXLU DJs: Nina Linart, Eddie Lopez, and Christine Palma.
The night featured a musical performance by the Mata Family Mariachi, which includes two LMU alumni, Richard Mata, and his daughter Angelica. The Mata family played an incredible set of classic and contemporary boleros prompting sing alongs and several standing ovations. The Mata Family Mariachi is comprised of recording artists and educators. All have been involved with establishing and leading the Mariachi Conservatory, which strives to expand Mariachi education in public schools across the state and building professional capacity in music educators for Mariachi music.
The Bolero musical genre was established in the late 19th century in Cuba, Mexico and Puerto Rico, and expanded during the golden era of Mexican cinema amid the rise of record labels, television and distribution in the 1940s and 50s. At this anniversary concert, Tres Souls provided the closing musical performance. The group has experienced immense success as they bring their music to contemporary audiences across the country. A live serenade was perfect for an evening that honored Serenata de Tríos.
Overall it was an unforgettable night of lyrics, chords, memories and community.
Catch Serenata de Tríos every Sunday at 6 PM on 88.9 FM KXLU and KXLU.com.
Ernesto Colín, Ph.D.
Program Host, Serenata de Trios
Professor, LMU School of Education