After a 10-year absence from downtown, the 2022 Tucson International Mariachi Conference returns to the Tucson Convention Center, where it will run through May 8. 

With a mission to promote and highlight the importance and history of Mariachi music, the conference attracts guests and performers from across the globe. This year is its 40th anniversary and the lineup includes Lupita Infante, Mariachi Los Camperos and Mariachi Cobre.

In addition to professional Mariachi performances, there will be a student showcase on Friday, May 6. The Armando C. Gonzales Student Showcase will host student groups from across the Southwest and offer them a nine-minute spotlight. 

One of this year’s highlights will come on Saturday, May 7, when Tucson Mayor Regina Romero dedicates the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, renaming the 50-year-old Tucson Music Hall at 260 S. Church Ave. in honor of the Tucson native and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame pop/rock/country/mariachi singer-songwriter, said Alfonso Dancil, board chair for the Tucson International Mariachi Conference. The ceremony is part of the Espectacular Concert.

Ronstadt, who lives in San Francisco, was among the founders of the Mariachi Conference.

The conference wraps up on Sunday, May 8, with a Mother’s Day Mass, including performances from Mariachi Los Changitos Feos and Compañia de Danza Folklórico. In addition to musical performances, Tucson International Mariachi Conference will host “23 Miles of Mexican Food,” a celebration of Tucson’s Mexican cuisine.

For more information, times and ticket prices, visit tucsonmariachi.org. 

*El Inde Arizona is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.  

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