We talk with Mariachi Estrella de Chula Vista on tour from San Diego

Mariachi Estrellas de Chula Vista was formed in 2011 by graduates of Mariachi Chula Vista who wished to continue to rehearse and perform mariachi music at a high level as they pursued university and college studies, or entered the work world. From 2001 to 2013 Mariachi Chula Vista, directed by pioneer mariachi educator Mark Fogelquist, established a reputation as the leading high school mariachi in the United States, appearing at all the major mariachi festivals and conferences in the U.S. and in Mexico and winning countless awards and competitions. Mariachi Estrellas de Chula Vista immediately established a similar legacy. During the past eight years the group has performed at more than 1,500 events, large and small. Among the highlights are: First Place at the 2014 and 2016 Mariachi Spectacular Mariachi Competition in Albuquerque, New Mexico, First Place at 2012 Por Amor a Mi Tierra competition in Guadalajara, and featured appearances at mariachi festivals in Albuquerque, Santa Barbara, Wenatchee (Washington), Victorville, Imperial Valley, Rosarito, Mexicali, and Ensenada Baja California, and Ajijic and Chapala Jalisco.