A Mariachi is typically a musical ensemble, originally from the State of Jalisco, Mexico. It is an integration of stringed instruments highly influenced by the cultural impacts of the historical development of Western Mexico. Throughout the history of mariachi, musicians have experimented with brass, wind, and percussion instruments. Salvador Gonzales started playing guitar, in El Grullo, Jalisco. He came to the US when he was 18 and has been working as a musician for some 40 plus years. He comes from a background of Mariachis in his family and has kept the tradition alive. He enjoys playing music and has many other career opportunities that would better him and his family financially but chooses to play his music with the full support of his family.
This audio slideshow was produced in collaboration with Digital Newsgathering at San Francisco State University