You could feel it as soon as you walked in the room. This was a big deal — or this was one of those small big deals that could have gone unnoticed. The women in this room at Oakland’s Cesar Chavez Fruitvale branch library loved two things — Mariachi and their hermanas. The pride and joy grew and grew. At first, no one sang or danced when invited. Then feet started tapping, shoulders bouncing, lips mouthing the words. By the end, everybody was moving and shaking. And smiling. And hugging. And felt like family.

In this neighborhood, where many people speak Spanish, the library is so important. Kids and adults read, study, use computers, meet, hold social events, read the paper and visit. But it takes a special vision (thank you, Xóchitl Gavidia, Senior Librarian and Branch Manager) to include an afternoon of music that speaks, not just to all neighborhoods, but particularly to this neighborhood. And you could tell that this felt special. 

The music was technically professional and highly coordinated (five violins!) but passionate and so danceable. I am including a couple of links to their music so you can see and hear them. Mariachi Femenil Orgullo Mexicano began their journey as the first all female Mariachi group in the Bay Area at San Francisco State University in 2007, founded by Ninfa Iglesias. They’ve played all around the Bay Area and are well known and respected.