Description
Latin Grammy nominees Mariachi Flor de Toloache make New York City history as its’ first and only all-women mariachi group. Founded in 2008, Mariachi Flor de Toloache is led by singers Mireya I. Ramos (founder) & Shae Fiol (original member). Reminiscent of the early days of mariachi, the group started as a trio with harp, violin and vihuela. Today, Mariachi Flor De Toloache performs as a full mariachi ensemble. The members hail from diverse cultural backgrounds such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Australia, Colombia, Germany, Italy and the United States. This defines their unique flavor and sound. The result of this cultural bouquet is an edgy, versatile and fresh take on traditional Mexican music. They coalesce as would a band of sisters, with a grace and vibrant beauty that casts a spell over their audiences not unlike the legendary Toloache flower still being used in Mexico as a love potion. While working to preserve centuries old traditions of mariachi, their melange of the traditional and the modern pushes the boundaries of the genre and brings mariachi music to new audiences.
Over the course of the last few years, Flor de Toloache’s performances have illuminated world renowned stages in Europe and India. In November 2015, the group embarked on an extensive European and U.S tour as the opening act of Black Keys’ singer Dan Auerbach’s new band, The Arcs. After performances to sold out audiences in the UK, Germany, Holland, Italy, France, they continued to captivate crowds in the U.S. at legendary venues such as First Avenue in Minneapolis, The Vic in Chicago, Terminal 5 in New York, DC 930 Club and Nashville’s Ryman Theater (The Grand Ole Opry). Mariachi Flor De Toloache’s critically acclaimed self-titled debut album received a Latin Grammy nomination for “Best Ranchera Album” of 2015. Sharing the podium with legends Pedro Fernández and Aida Cuevas meant an embrace from the Latin music community. The group’s live performances were praised by Rolling Stone, Billboard Magazine, The New Yorker, GQ Magazine, The New York Times. Following a highly praised NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concert”, their collaboration with rock supergroup The Arcs landed them on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and BBC 2’s Later with Jools Holland. The group is currently in the studio recording their follow up with Daptone-distributed New York based Chulo Records. Ran by NYC Salsa powerhouse Los Hacheros’ leader, Jacob Plasse, Chulo Records was also the connecting bridge between Mariachi Flor De Toloache and The Arcs. The album was released in 2016. Also slated for release this year are collaborations and featured appearances of Mariachi Flor De Toloache on Chicano Batman’s forthcoming album, Snarky Puppy guitarist Chris McQueen’s solo record, Luba Mason’s next album – produced by Jimmy Haslip and Luba Mason. The group was also scheduled to kick off a spring 2016 West Coast Tour performing as part of / and opening for The Arcs, including dates such as the Coachella Festival.
