The Righetti High School Marimba Band & Ballet Folklórico will present its 46th annual Big Show performance, 7 p.m. Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29, at Santa María High School’s Ethel Pope Auditorium, 901 S. Broadway.

The Big Show is a two-hour program featuring the music and dances of Righetti High School’s Marimba Band and Ballet Folklórico. The program is festive, colorful, and filled with a variety of songs and dances reflecting the diverse world of Mexican and Latino music and folk dance.

In celebration of the program’s 50th anniversary, several alumni will make cameo appearances, including Annette Santillán Guerrero, the group’s first marimba player.

Tickets can be purchased at the Righetti Student Business Office. Advance sale tickets are $15 for all age groups; tickets at the door before each show are $20.

This year’s theme, The Movies That Made Us, is inspired by impactful Latino movie soundtracks, highlighting iconic songs from celebrated Latino films.

The show opens with one of the group’s favorites “Zoot Suit,” and continues on a musical journey through cumbias, baladas, mambos, rock ‘n’ roll/oldies, son jarocho and música tejana.

There will be five traditional folk-dance regions represented: Nayarit, Michoacán, Veracruz, Nuevo León, and Jalisco, along with a “Zoot Suit” dance.

“I’m thrilled to share the incredible music and dance that Righetti High School’s Marimba Band and Ballet Folklórico are bringing to Big Show 2025,” said senior Manolo Jiménez, a folklórico dancer, and sax and guitar player.

“For months, our students have been working hard at work preparing new regional pieces and songs, all set to take the stage on March 28 and 29,” Jiménez said. “This year, our Marimba Band selections are inspired by films that hold a special place in our community, including ‘La Bamba,’ ‘Selena,’ and ‘Coco,’ among others.

“On the Ballet Folklórico side, we’re introducing new dances from beloved regions like Veracruz and Jalisco, while also honoring our group’s rich history by reprising dances from past years performed by the alumni before us.

“Big Show 2025 is especially meaningful, as it marks the 50th anniversary of our program, established in 1975. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with you and share the passion, culture, and dedication that define our group.”

“The Righetti Marimba Band and Ballet Folklórico are deeply honored to present this year’s exciting new theme: The Movies That Made Us,” said Izelic Gabaldón, a junior, singer, folklórico dancer, and Marimba Band vice-president. “This artistic production celebrates our rich Mexican and Chicano heritage while embracing the timeless allure of classic cinema.

“Through this theme, we not only seek to honor our cultural roots, but also to commemorate a significant milestone — our 50th anniversary. Over the years, our group has grown, evolved, and established a strong legacy. This performance stands as a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work that have shaped our journey.”

“I am really looking forward to Big Show because it’s a chance to finally perform everything we’ve been working so hard on for the past three months. We have all been working hard to make sure we put on a great performance,” said Kimberly Maldonado Castellanos, a sophomore, guitar player and singer.

“I’m excited to show what I’ve learned,” she said. “Playing music in front of people is a whole different experience than just practicing, and I know it will be awesome and that we will be able to put on a great show for everyone in our community. People should come to Big Show because it’s not just another performance, it’s a celebration of Hispanic and Latin culture.”

Director Ricardo Gabaldón Jr. is the son of the founding teacher/director, Ricardo Gabaldón Sr. who taught at Righetti for 40 years. Gabaldón Jr. is in his 11th year as director of the program.

He said he is proud to have his daughter Izelic in the group, representing three generations of the Gabaldón family involved in the program.

Gabaldón Jr.’s wife Michelle was also a member of the Marimba Band and Ballet Folklórico, making it a family enterprise.