¡Qué Viva el Westside! Mexican Traditional Arts in Kansas City, Missouri

Abstract

Kansas City, Missouri's Westside is the home of a thriving Mexican American population. A host of visual markers distinguish this part of the city, including vivid murals on buildings and cars, bathtub yard shrines housing statues of the Virgin Mary, Mexican flags, and countless fliers stapled on to telephone poles proclaiming “Gran Baile!” - community dances featuring both local and imported bands. One such local band, “Mariachi Mexico,” plays frequently for community events. The leader of “Mariachi Mexico,” Heriberto (Beto) Lopez, Sr., is currently a master artist for Missouri's Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, tutoring apprentice Antonio Sierra, Jr. in the art of mariachi trumpet playing.