¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! returns with the final show of the 2023-24 season — three free eclectic and upbeat performances by bordeño-soul music group Jarabe Mexicano.

Five members of Jarabe Mexicano holding guitars and other instruments stand in front of a mural-filled doorway. (Courtesy photo)
Jarabe Mexicano plays music that honors their cultural roots. (Courtesy photo)

Jarabe Mexicano captures the nostalgic spirit of their border roots with “Bordeño-Soul,” which honors the musical tastes and cultural influences of its members.

Jarabe, which translates to “concoction,” highlights the mix of genres the group performs, ranging from Mexican folk, rock & roll, and Norteño/Tex-Mex to Latin Rock, Trio Romántico, and popular Cumbia.

Their traditional Mariachi string instruments and Norteño-inspired drums complement vocals in English, Spanish and Spanglish, and show how this multi-generational ensemble embraces change while honoring the past.

Free public performances are:

  • 7 p.m. Friday, May 17 at Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Road, Goleta.
  • 7 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St., Guadalupe.
  • 6 p.m. Sunday, May 19 a the Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E. Cota St., Santa Barbara.

Viva is dedicated to bringing  the rich cultural heritage of Latin America to Santa Barbara County community members and students. It is a collaboration between UCSB Arts & Lectures, the Marjorie Luke Theatre, Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, and Isla Vista School Parent Teacher Association. 

For more information about Jarabe Mexicano and Viva, visit https://artsandlectures.ucsb.edu/learn/viva-el-arte-de-santa-barbara/.