Rosarito Festival Features Grammy-Winning Mariachi Divas & Benefits Boys & Girls Club

ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO – A concert and two-day competition this weekend will be highlighted by the Grammy-award-winning Mariachi Divas in a spectacular Saturday night concert by the sea.

Proceeds from the event will go toward the construction of Rosarito’s $1.3-million-dollar Boys & Girls Club.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for people to see some of the best mariachi music ever presented in this region, while helping a great cause,” said Boys & Girls Club president Rosy Torres.

Gil Sperry, organizer of the event expected to attract thousands, has modeled it after similar ones held in the U.S. It also will be the first public concert in Mexico by the Los Angeles-based Mariachi Divas.

From 6 to 9 on Saturday, the Divas will headline a three-hour concert. In 2009 the internationally known 20-member group was awarded the Grammy for Best Regional Mexican Music for its album “Canciones de Amor.”

“We have many fans in Mexico and are looking forward to seeing them at our first public concert there, as well as many of our friends from the U.S.,” said Diva leader Cindy Shea.

Maya, Timoteo, El Charro Negro, Olga Flores, Folklorico Ixtlazihuatl, Genesis, and Beto Jimenez Maeda also will be performing. The seaside event will feature wine, food and VIP areas.

The Saturday and Sunday beachfront spectacular on the grounds of the Rosarito Beach Hotel also will feature both mariachi and folkloric ballet competitions from 10 to 3 each day with groups from junior high through college age from both countries.

Junior high and high school competition is Saturday; university and open on Sunday. U.S. competitors include groups from Chula Vista, Anaheim and Tucson.

“This truly will be a spectacular event,” said Sperry, author of several books including “Mariachi for Gringos.”

Tickets for various portions of the event begin at $7.50 for children and $10 for adults, with complete packages priced at $25 and $45. Tickets for the concert alone range from $10 to $40 and VIP packages also are offered.

More details are available at www.clubdeninosyninansderosarito.com, www.rosarito.org and clubrosarito@hotmail.com. Advance tickets are on sale at the Rosarito Beach Hotel, the Rosarito Convention & Visitors Bureau and at the event itself.

Members of Rosarito’s large expatriate community will be helping as event volunteers and the Rosarito Beach Hotel is offering special lodging packages.

“We are so grateful to Gil Sperry, the Mariachi Divas and all the participants for their help,” said Rosy Torres. “As well as helping children, we know that those who attend to will have the chance to enjoy one of the best shows ever in Rosarito.”

The mariachi festival has been named an official event of Mexico’s bicentennial. The state department of tourism and city are among sponsors.

“We are proud to have this prestigious event in our city and look forward to it becoming an annual showcase,” said Rosarito Mayor Hugo Torres.

(Writers & Assignment Editors: The Divas are available for interviews as well as limited San Diego appearances on Sept. 30)