Maricela Martinez

Greater Los Angeles Los Angeles County Latino/a/x Music Mexican

Maricela Martinez, a gifted second-generation mariachi musician, was born in Guadalajara Jalisco in 1981. She embarked on her musical journey at age 16, joining the University of Guadalajara’s music program and working alongside her father Martin Velazquez as a beginner mariachi. Additionally, she took private lessons with renowned maestro Crecencio Hernandez to hone her trumpet skills, setting the stage for a successful career in the United States.
At a young age, Martinez joined Mariachi Las Perlitas Tapatias, Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, and Mariachi Mujer 2000 among others. With a strong passion for traditional Mexican music and social activism, Martinez founded Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas in 2007, an all-female group that has gained national and international recognition. Empowered by her passion and determination, Maricela Martinez shattered gender barriers in the mariachi world to become a renowned trumpet player, leader, and activist. With 26 years of experience in the mariachi field, Maricela Martinez is a full-time mariachi performer and mariachi artist for the Alliance of California Traditional Arts at various California prisons where she collectively teaches restorative justice through mariachi music and culture. Her commitment to preserving her mariachi culture and traditions, as well as fighting for social justice, has cemented her status as a cultural icon in the United States.

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Apprenticeship Program

Mariachi Music with apprentice Karen Pablo

Maricela Martinez aims to pass down to apprentice, Karen Pablo, the understanding and knowledge of how to achieve the mariachi style as well as repertoire, tips, and secrets on how to change music keys, and opportunities to perform at private and public events.