3rd Annual Hispanic Music Festival to bring new events and performers

The 3rd Annual Hispanic Music Festival will bring new events and performers to Pittsburg this fall during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 17, organizers have announced.

Festival founders are Isaac Hernandez, an adjunct lecturer and piano accompanist in the Pitt State Music Department, and his wife Herrera, an academic advisor in the Office of Student Success - both graduates of Pitt State.

"This festival gives us the opportunity to share traditions and bridge different cultures through music," said Hernandez. "What started as a dream continues to grow thanks to our artists, collaborators, sponsors, and a community that believes in the power of music."

Businesses and individuals who wish to donate in support of the festival may contact Mary Jo Dancer, director of development, at 620-235-6127. New this year: a passport that will give festival attendees the chance to win festival merchandise by visiting participating businesses.

Sept. 15 - Choir Fiesta
Bicknell Family Center for the Arts

Area high school choirs may apply to be accepted for this new event. Choirs each will perform a song of their own and then will join together for one final song; musical selections will be by Hispanic composers. To date, six choirs have registered to attend with about 150 members. The cap will be 200 members. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and will be free and open to the public.

Sept. 17 - 1, 2, 3 (Uno, Dos, Tres!), Andres
Memorial Auditorium - North Lawn (outdoors)

This husband-and-wife duo that creates children's music in both English and Spanish have performed for audiences across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico, Panama, and Mexico and are winners of the Best Latin Children's Album category at the Latin Grammy Awards. Now, they're heading to Pittsburg. Two shows will be held: an indoor performance for area elementary schools during the day (registration required), and a free outdoor performance for the public starting at 6 p.m. on the north lawn (bring lawn chairs and blankets).

Sept. 19 - Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra and Pittsburg Hispanic Banda
Our Lady of Lourdes Church and ArtWalk in Downtown Pittsburg

Two performances will be featured in two locations.

At 3 p.m., Banda Camp and Pittsburg Hispanic Banda, comprised of Pitt State alumni, students, and friends, will perform as part of Pittsburg ArtWalk, held on Broadway between Fourth and Seventh streets.

At 6 p.m., the Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra will perform at the Community Festival Hispano, held outdoors at Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

Pablo Sanhueza is "Kansas City's Heart & Soul of Latin Music" and is the region's premier Salsa & Latin Jazz percussionist, bandleader, and educator. Born and raised in Santiago, Chile, Pablo has been on the front line of Latin Jazz and salsa music in the Midwest since 1996, leading and mentoring three generations of musicians. In 2025, he was recognized as a Missouri Living Tradition's Artist, becoming the first jazz musician to receive the accolade.

In 2018, Sanhueza founded the KCLJO and Latin Jazz Institute. KCLJO integrates graduates and apprentices of the Latin Jazz Studies Program, which presents established professionals, master musicians, and international visiting artists.

Oct. 1 - Wind Ensemble Concert
Bicknell Family Center for the Arts

This concert will feature the Pittsburg State University Wind Ensemble. This concert is free and open to the public and will feature music from a variety of Hispanic composers, including a commissioned work by Mexican composer Rodrigo Torres. With an MFA from Dartmouth College, he is a multi-instrumentalist who performs in different genres and styles and whose practice spans radio broadcasting and production, performing in rock bands, writing for orchestra, and composing for film and theater.

Oct. 2 - Mariachi Corazón de Oro
Gorilla Village

During the day, the Mariachi Corazón de Oro from Mayberry Middle School in Wichita will perform for music students at Pittsburg Community Middle School and will conduct a clinic for area music teachers. At 5 p.m., the group will be the featured entertainers at La Celebracion at Gorilla Village on the campus of Pittsburg State University, hosted by Hispanics of Today student organization. The evening event will include food trucks and activities, and is free and open to the public.

Oct. 8 - Community Recital
McCray Hall

A showcase of music by Hispanic composers will be performed by community members, Pitt State students, faculty, staff, and alumni is planned. The concert is free and open to the public. It will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 - 17 - "In the Heights"
Memorial Auditorium

"In the Heights" is a Tony-winning musical written by Lin Manuel Miranda that celebrates the vibrant Dominican-American community of Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan, New York. More than just a musical, it is also a celebration of local talent. Featuring members of our own community, this high-energy story about chasing dreams and the bonds that keep us together will be directed by Breana Clark, with musical direction by Isaac Hernandez. Performances are planned for 7 p.m. each evening. Tickets will be on sale through Memorial Auditorium's box office at pittks.org/memorial or by calling 620-231-7827.

Visit the festival web page: https://pittstate.edu/music/hispanic-music-festival.html