LOS ANGELES — September is Hispanic Heritage Month and La Fonda de Los Camperos is hosting a celebration of Mexico with mariachi music. 

Mariachi melodies run through Grammy award-winning singer Melinda Salcido.

“I will forever have mariachi music ingrained in my heart," she said. "No matter what else I sing.”

She has been singing since she was 2 years old, she said and is honored to share her Mexican heritage through her music.

“It’s just a staple. When you think of Mexico, you think of mariachi music," Salcido said. "It is a great representation of our culture and is a great way to share our culture with people who may not know what it’s about.”

 
 
 
 
 
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Coming on Sept. 12th at 5:00pm (PST) from La Fonda Casa del Mariachi an "at home" Mariachi dinner show. Featuring Grammy award winner, MELINDA and Mariachi Tierra Mia This event is open to the public on La Fonda's social media. If you like what you see, please consider making a donation to La Fonda, so that we can continue bringing new shows, featuring some of the best Mariachi groups & singers from all of California. Click onGoFundMe Fundraising link in our bio Thank You , La Fonda management #supportingthearts #latinartists #mariachimusic #culturalpreservation #gofundme #fundraiser #mariachi #historicallandmark #mexicanmusic #lafonda #lacasadelmariachi

A post shared by La Fonda La Casa Del Mariachi (@lafondalcdm) on

 

The singer is currently performing with the mariachi group Tierra Mia at La Fonda, where they are filming an at-home mariachi show in an empty concert hall. During the pandemic, La Fonda closed and it will officially shut down its doors at the end of the year. Owner John Hinojosa said it was a difficult decision.

“It is very, very sad, and unfortunate. We wish we could keep it, but financially we cannot afford it,” Hinojosa said.

The history of mariachi lines the walls of La Fonda. Grammy award-winning group Los Camperos performed there since it opened in 1969. Over the years, the restaurant became known nationwide for its mariachi dinner shows. 

This is why Hinojosa is hosting this last hurrah for La Fonda to celebrate the art of mariachi and give back to the loyal fans that have been visiting the restaurant and concert space over the years.

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“It’s a gift we are giving to the public, to all the friends of La Fonda," Hinojosa said. "So many people have been here through the years, and we want to [say] thank you.”

This is why Salcido jumped at the opportunity to join the production, she said, especially to give viewers a sense of hope during the pandemic.

“These are rough times right now. COVID has affected us in so many ways. This is a great outlet to bring happiness to someone,” Salcido said.

The at-home mariachi show will premiere at 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 12 on La Fonda’s social media pages.