Alberto Ranjel raises his trumpet to his lips and plays to the heavens as a priest’s procession makes its way down the center aisle at St. Augustine Cathedral, Downtown.
The 59-year-old pharmacist fills the open hall with joyful music of praise, from the entrance and exit hymns to the Memorial Acclamation, alongside eight members of his ensemble, Mariachi Tapatio.
The group expects no fanfare or applause from the 1,000 parishioners attending the weekly service. Nor will its musicians receive payment for their participation.
This once-a-month gig is given with a special audience in mind: that of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
“We look forward to it,” Ranjel said. “We are all sinners so this is fulfilling. We view it as a part of giving back to the community.”
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Over the last four decades, mariachi music during Catholic Masses has become commonplace in churches throughout the Southwest and in Mexico.
St. Augustine includes mariachi in its 8 a.m. Spanish-language Mass every Sunday. It will hold a special Mass April 26 as part of next week’s Tucson International Mariachi Conference, with music provided by the famed Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano.
If You Go
The Tucson International Mariachi Conference Mariachi Mass, with Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano.
• Where: St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave.
• When: 9 a.m. April 26.
• Cost: Free.
• Information: 838-3908.
• Et cetera: A general Spanish-language mariachi Mass takes place Sundays at St. Augustine Cathedral at 8 a.m. The conference-themed mass is part of a weeklong mariachi celebration that includes the following performances:
The Student
Participant Showcase
• What: A showcase featuring participants from the conference workshops.
• Where: Tucson Convention Center Exhibition Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
• When: 7 p.m. Thursday.
• Cost: $9.25 through Ticketmaster, 321-1000.
The Espectacular Concert
• What: The main event of the conference featuring Lucero, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano and Mariachi Los Arrieros.
• Where: Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Ave.
• When: 7:30 p.m. next Friday.
• Cost: $45-$85 through Ticketmaster.
The Food City
Fiesta de Garibaldi
• What: An all-day, outdoor celebration of mariachi music and culture.
• Where: DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, Reid Park.
• When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. April 26
• Cost: $5; discounts available at the entrance.
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