Musco Center for the Arts Presents Heartbeat of Mexico

Alicia Villarreal

Saturday, May 25, 2019 | 7:30pm

Direct from Mexico! Latin-pop phenomenon Alicia Villarreal bursts through the barriers of genres and gender from her time as lead singer in Grupo Limite to her blossoming solo career. Her latest record, 2017’s La Villarreal covers everything from ranchera, norteño, pop, rock, and symphonic arrangements.

The Monterrey, Mexico native started out singing rock en español and had success early in her career as the lead singer for the Tejano/Norteño-focused Grupo Límite, starting in 1995. While with Grupo Limite, Villarreal would tour 10 months a year, selling out shows filled with more than 10,000 fans.

When she set off as a solo artist in 2003, she found her sound flowing freely between regional sounds. She has collaborated with producer and husband Cruz Martinez, co-founder of Kumbia Kings, and has appeared on stage with opera star Andrea Boccelli. She has five solo albums and has won two Latin Grammys.

With her success in traditionally male-dominated genres, Villarreal has been a strong voice for empowering women through her music and talking openly about the challenges of raising a family and maintaining a career. Her release of 2017’s La Villarreal comes after a seven year hiatus the artist took to raise a family. The album may be her most ambitious project yet. It was recorded live in Mexico with 40 musicians, ranging from mariachi to banda to symphonic arrangements.

Bursts through the barriers of genres and gender.