Month Speaker Series at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 20, 2023. Photo by Myraneli Fabian.
Tears of joy and melancholy were spread at the main stage on Thursday afternoon at Pierce College’s Performing Arts Building for this semester’s first concert of Latino Heritage Month.
The crowd clapped and sang along to artist La Marisoul, from the band La Santa Cecilia, as they played songs such as “Ella me enamoró.’’
As Pierce celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, melancholy and nostalgia is present within the community for those who once left their lives behind for a better future.
“Seeing La Santa Cecilia perform is a once in a lifetime experience,’’ said Professor of Chicano Studies Angelita Rovero, who organized the event.
La Santa Cecilia, who sings about the hardships of immigrant life, turns the pain and nostalgia into a combination of traditional music with a twist of Latin jazz, cumbia, boleros and bossa nova to create a deep connection with their listeners.
The love for traditional music and culture is what brings them together as a band.
“One of the songs that we wrote was ‘El Hielo,’” which is an amazing kind of song that came out of our hearts, not only because we were living it through our parents, it’s because it’s our story,’’ Alexander said. “We are the fruits of their labor.’’
The celebration started with a blessing from Mexicas de Aztlan dancers, who wore colorful costumes, feathers, jewelry and helmets while they danced.
La Marisoul sang about their personal experiences and gave the opportunity for others to learn where their inspirations come from and about the way their families and people around them inspired the band.
“Our parents were so generous in the way they loved us and shared music, stories and food,” La Marisoul said.
La Marisoul and La Santa Cecilia create music to express themselves, to tell stories and to explain what they were experiencing through their lyrics.
The different music genres and melodies let out feelings of love and harmony.
‘’We were realizing the power of using your voice, melody and spirit to convey a message to the world,’’ band member Jose Carlos said. “The power of using your own voice and speaking from your own experience can create a deeper connection for those who can relate to the stories.”
