Mariachi music is alive and well not only in Los Angeles but across USA as the birth of the popular genre is told in the true story of “Ugly Little Monkeys.” The documentary recounts how the first youth mariachi group in the U.S., Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson and the rise of mariachi in the country and around the world.
Through first-hand accounts and in-depth interviews, members of the group who ranged in ages from 9 to 14, showcasing how music united and communities. From the roots in Tucson, the documentary showed the trauma, racism and struggles the members went through and kept going, what they did for love, the love of music.
Many of the original members of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson including Wilfred Arvizu, David Ruiz, Gilbert Velez, Francisco Escobar, Cosme Barcelo discuss how they learned their instruments by ear and passed the tradition down. Based on the book by Los Chanuitos Feos member Arvizu, who told his personal journey of being in the group and the brotherhood and music legacy that was created because of it.
Linda Ronstadt, a constant collaborator with the group, is interviewed about singing with the young musicians.
TVMusic Network caught up with the directors of the film before a special screening to get their thoughts on the film. Check it out below. For information about the documentary, visit: Ugly Little Monkeys To order the book visit: Bless Me Father For You Have Sinned
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