Jesus Avila Rodriguez

San Joaquin Valley Latino/a/x Music

In California, mariachi music is especially loved by those of Mexican descent who see it as an important link to their homeland and to their children’s understanding of their cultural roots.  In the 1960’s, Jesus Avila Rodriguez and his brothers were taught traditional mariachi songs by their father when the family arrived in Porterville from Jalisco, Mexico.  Over the years, he has developed a repertoire of 300 songs and performed as a professional, touring the western states.

In 2002, Jesus was a master artist in ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program with apprentice Daisy Guzmán.  They focused on technical skills of the violin in the mariachi style and building her repertoire of mariachi music.