Mauricio Gradilla

Mauro comes from a family deeply rooted in mariachi tradition, beginning his musical journey at a young age by performing alongside his uncles. Over the years, he has become one of the most sought-after trumpet players in the Chicago area, known for his strong, traditional sound and leadership within the ensemble.

He now performs alongside one of his two sons who have followed in his footsteps, continuing the family's musical legacy. As Mariachi Ameca's trumpet section leader, Mauro plays an important role in shaping the group's stylistic approach and overall sound.

In addition to his performance career, Mauro is also a skilled trumpet builder. He has worked with Schilke Trumpets for many years and brings extensive knowledge of the techniques and craftsmanship involved in professional trumpet making.

Isaac Gradilla

Following in his father's footsteps as a trumpet player, Isaac continues a family tradition that spans generations; his grandfather was also a mariachi musician.

Deeply passionate about the music, Isaac enjoys studying classic mariachi recordings and has developed a keen ear for the traditional trumpet sound. He can often identify which trumpeters performed on well-known recordings simply by listening, drawing inspiration from legendary players such as Crescencio Hernández, Cipriano Silva, and Miguel Martínez.

Isaac currently attends Saint Xavier University, where he is pursuing a degree in Nursing, while continuing to carry on his family's musical legacy as a member of Mariachi Ameca.

Rocio Cervantes

Rocio Cervantes grew up surrounded by music, with some of her earliest memories shaped by the sound of her father playing the accordion and violin. As her first and greatest influence, he inspired her dream of one day taking the stage as a singer.

Although her journey into mariachi began later in life, Rocio now proudly carries on her family's musical legacy as a violinist and the first female vocalist of Mariachi Ameca. For over 16 years, she has performed alongside her brothers and fellow musicians in the family-led ensemble.

While living in Texas, Rocio studied Bel Canto vocal technique and gained performance experience singing at local venues, during intermissions at lucha libre events, and as a backup vocalist for grupera bands.

Through every performance, she honors her roots while sharing the heart of her heritage with audiences everywhere.

Andres Cervantes

The youngest of Jaime's children, Andres began his musical journey at the age of 9 when he started taking violin lessons at the Sherwood Conservatory of Music in downtown Chicago.

Throughout high school, he developed a strong passion for musical theatre, participating in All-State productions and growing as both a musician and performer. He went on to attend VanderCook College of Music, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Education.

Today, Andres teaches at his alma mater, giving back to the same community that helped shape his musical foundation. As one of Mariachi Ameca's directors, he plays an important role in shaping the group's live performances through staging and artistic direction.

Known for his energy and stage presence, Andres is not only a key leader within the group, but also a favorite among many of our clients.

Jaime Cervantes

Founder of Mariachi Ameca, Jaime was raised in the small rancho of El Pochote just outside of Ameca, Jalisco. Coming from a family deeply rooted in music and cinema, his journey into music began in humble circumstances.

As a young man, Jaime worked as a stunt double in the film A Man Called Horse, using the money he earned to purchase his first accordion. It was not long before he discovered a deeper calling in the violin, going on to study and refine his craft after settling in the Chicago area.

In 1991, he formed Mariachi Ameca with the goal of preserving the tradition he grew up with while sharing it with new audiences. Under his leadership, the group has gone on to perform in films, commercials, and major events such as Lollapalooza.

Today, Jaime continues the legacy by performing alongside three of his own children, passing on the same musical tradition that once began in the heart of El Pochote.

Miguel Cervantes

Miguel began singing in middle school as a member of his school choir, where he quickly became the group's main soloist. During that time, he was invited to perform the National Anthem at a citizenship ceremony attended by Mexican President Vicente Fox.

He later attended the Sherwood Conservatory of Music in downtown Chicago for violin and went on to earn his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music. After graduating, Miguel led a mariachi program within Chicago Public Schools, helping to introduce and grow the tradition among young musicians.

He then spent a couple of years in Texas earning his Master's degree in Latin Music Performance while performing with the award-winning Mariachi Nueva Generación at Texas State University.

Within Mariachi Ameca, Miguel contributes to the group's musical direction by helping select repertoire and shape stylistic interpretation for performances.

Christine Fliginger

A versatile violinist and violist, Christine's passion for music has led her to explore a wide range of musical styles and performance settings. She studied Violin Performance at Northern Illinois University, where she developed her skills through orchestral playing, chamber music, and an extensive range of violin repertoire.

In addition to performing, Christine has taught both private and group violin lessons throughout the Chicago area. She has recently accepted a coordinator position at the Old Town School of Folk Music.

Her performance experience includes appearances on renowned stages such as the Harris Theater and Millennium Park, as well as collaborations with ensembles including the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic.

Christine brings a unique versatility to Mariachi Ameca, blending classical training with a deep appreciation for diverse musical styles in every performance.

Jonathon Armas

Jonathan Armas began his mariachi journey during his time in Chicago Public Schools, where he was first introduced to the Mariachi Heritage Foundation program. It was there that he discovered a passion for the rich melodies and traditions of mariachi music.

During his time in the program, Jonathan had the opportunity to learn from renowned mariachi educators, including Roberto Martinez of Mariachi Cobre and Carlos Jimenez of Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano. Their mentorship helped shape his musicianship and inspired him to continue growing within the tradition.

He has since gone on to give back to the same community that helped spark his musical journey by teaching and leading mariachi students through local school and community programs. Today, he continues working with young musicians through educational programs that support the next generation of mariachi performers.

Jonathan brings a vibrant energy to Mariachi Ameca's performances and is not afraid to have a little fun on stage, helping create an engaging and memorable experience for audiences at every event.

Julian Ortiz

Julian Ortiz was born in the United States but spent much of his childhood in Zamora, Michoacan, where he was surrounded by a strong family tradition of mariachi musicians including his father, uncles, brother, and cousins.

As Mariachi Ameca's vihuela player, Julian holds an essential role within the ensemble, providing the rhythmic foundation often described as the spirit of mariachi music.

He enjoys sharing his love for the tradition with others and brings a positive energy to every performance, both on stage and on the road, where he often serves as the group's DJ on the way to gigs.

Carlos Alvarez

Armonia section.