Hispanic Music Festival to return even bigger and better in second year

Building upon the success of last year's first Pittsburg State University Hispanic Music Festival, directors Isaac Hernandez and Frida Herrera have announced they're planning the festival again this fall in hopes it will become an annual event for the campus and community.

It is planned for National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Hernandez, an adjunct lecturer and piano accompanist in the Music Department, and his wife Herrera, a graduate teaching assistant in the Office of Career Development, are working with the PSU Foundation on sponsorships to help bring noted musicians to Pittsburg from the U.S. and abroad.

"This festival gives us the opportunity to share our traditions and honor our roots through music," said Hernandez, who earned a Master of Music from Pitt State in 2024 and a Bachelor's of Music from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

"We invite you to travel with us through the sounds, to imagine together what Hispanic-America sounds like in daily life, to feel the energy its people and perhaps, to taste some of our many delicious foods. We hope you enjoy each of the concerts that we have prepared with much love for all of you!"

Businesses and individuals who wish to donate in support of the fall festival may contact Mary Jo Dancer, director of development, at 620-235-6127.

The tentative schedule for the fall festival, provided funding is secured, could include:

Sept. 14 - The Mariachi Los Pumas
Bicknell Family Center for the Arts

This musical experience will feature an esteemed mariachi group of 60 students, as well as alumni, from Jovita Idár School in Chicago. The group has performed in numerous festivals, parades, and public events, and has earned several recognitions and awards.

A clinic led by the group's director will be held the following day for local music educators and music education students, covering their music program, methodology, and recruitment strategies. In turn, Pitt State faculty will present a clinic for their group.

Sept. 17 - Dr. Genaro Mendez Recital
Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall in McCray Hall

A music faculty member from the University of Kansas will perform a recital of Latin American composers. The following day, he will conduct a master class with students majoring in vocal music.

Sept. 19 - Sonidos del Corazon: Music under the Stars
Memorial Auditorium & Convention Center

In collaboration with Memorial Auditorium in Downtown Pittsburg, this outdoor event will feature local dancing groups, the Pittsburg Hispanic Banda, and local musicians on the north lawn. Food trucks will be on site, and the "Making Movies Band" (Panama-KC) will be a featured performer.

Sept. 24 - Music from Andes: AylluKC
Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall in McCray Hall

A Peruvian group will perform folkloric and classic music from Peru and Bolivia. The band name is a Quechua word for "family," fitting as the group formed in Kansas City from a common love for Latin folk music. They mix traditional and contemporary instruments to create a soundscape as diverse as its members.

Sept. 27 - Hispanic Route
Pritchett Pavillion and Colonial Fox Theatre

Two events will be featured in collaboration with the City of Pittsburg: A noon event at the Pritchett Pavillion in Downtown Pittsburg will include local artists with Hispanic related art, local musicians, a block party, and the first High School Hispanic Banda. An evening event in the empty lot next to the Colonial Fox Theatre in Downtown Pittsburg will include dessert food trucks and the Crossroads Jazz Band.

Oct. 1 - Pitt State Student and Faculty Recital
Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall at McCray Hall

This recital will feature several talented music majors and faculty members performing on a variety of instruments the work of Hispanic composers.

Oct. 8 - Trio Latinoamericano
Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall at McCray Hall

This recital will feature a talented ensemble of performers from Paraguay sponsored by a grant.

Oct 15 - Pittsburg Multigenerational Chorus, Jopara Ensemble, and Pittsburg Hispanic Banda
Bicknell Family Center for the Arts

Three organizations with a combined total of nearly 200 performers will collaborate on this powerful performance to close out the Hispanic Music Festival. The chorus is directed by Susan Laushman, vocal music teacher at Pittsburg High School; Jopara is directed by Assistant Professor Ramiro Miranda of the university Music Department; and the Pittsburg Hispanic Banda is directed by Hernandez; all three directors are graduates of the Music Department.

Oct 19 - Southeast Kansas Symphony
Bicknell Family Center for the Arts

A 3 p.m. concert will celebrate Hispanic heritage through a selection of classical and pops for all ages; the symphony is directed by Assistant Professor Ramiro Miranda, a native of Paraguay.