Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Rubio.
Hi Alicia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Mariachi Chicana is composed of highly accomplished, all-female Mexican-American musicians, each with 10 to 34 years of professional experience in mariachi and a wide range of musical genres. The ensemble is proudly bilingual and highly educated, with most members having completed university-level music studies and extensive professional training.
The members of Mariachi Chicana are not only performers, but cultural leaders, educators, mothers, students, and working professionals who embody excellence both on and off the stage. Their collective artistry is reflected in a polished visual presentation, refined musicianship, and a deep respect for the history and cultural significance of mariachi music.
Through custom repertoire and thoughtfully curated performances, the members of Mariachi Chicana present mariachi as an elevated art form—one that honors tradition while celebrating Chicana identity and women’s leadership. Whether performing for cultural festivals, educational institutions, luxury events, or private engagements, the ensemble’s members bring professionalism, intention, and powerful artistry to every performance.
Our Director, Alicia Rubio, is a violinist, vocalist, and music educator from San Diego, California, who relocated to Texas in 2023. She performs throughout Central Texas and holds a Master’s degree in Latin Music with a concentration in mariachi performance from Texas State University, where she studied under mariachi specialist Professor Michelle Quintero. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from The Bob Cole Conservatory, studying classical violin under Andrea Byers.
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Alicia serves as a mariachi instructor at Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, a mariachi and violin professor at Palo Alto College, and is an active mariachi clinician and adjudicator throughout Central Texas. She has collaborated with prominent artists and participated in numerous musical productions, most notably as a former member of the two-time Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea.
Alicia Rubio is a violinist with Mariachi Chicanas, bringing her extensive experience as a performer, educator, and leader to the ensemble’s artistry, mentorship, and cultural mission.
Mireya Batres is a California-born mariachi vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who grew up in Juárez, Mexico. With over 34 years of experience, she has performed across the U.S., including headlining as a singer at Universal Studios and Six Flags in Orlando, Florida.
An accomplished vihuela, guitar, and guitarrón player, Mireya is also a songwriter, with several of her original songs recorded and released. She works with autistic children, using music to foster communication and expression, and aspires to become a certified music therapist.
She is a core member of Mariachi Chicanas, contributing her decades of expertise as a vocalist, instrumentalist, and songwriter to the ensemble’s artistry and cultural leadership.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every challenge has helped us grow as a group. One of the biggest challenges has been finding women musicians in Austin who play the instruments central to mariachi, like the guitarrón, vihuela, and trumpet. Because these instruments and this style of music are less commonly played by women here, we’ve had to invest a lot of time in training and mentoring to build a strong, skilled ensemble.
On top of that, like many performing groups, we’ve had to coordinate rehearsals, balance schedules, and maintain a high level of musicianship while managing school, work, and personal responsibilities. Managing the business side of a mariachi—finding performance opportunities, organizing bookings, and promoting our work—also takes a lot of teamwork and dedication.
Despite these challenges, our passion for mariachi and for sharing this music with our community keeps us motivated. The support from our audiences and the talented women who have been part of Mariachi Chicana has made the journey incredibly meaningful and rewarding. 🌹🎶
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Mariachi Chicana, we are an all-women mariachi based in Austin, TX, performing both traditional songs and music that represent the Chicano/Mexican American community. We focus on highlighting our feminine voices and unique style—we’re not competing with male mariachis, but celebrating what makes us distinct.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, we want to continue growing Mariachi Chicana both musically and as a community. We’re focusing on expanding our repertoire with songs that celebrate Chicano and Mexican American culture, all arranged by our violinist, Alicia Rubio, and we plan to feature original songs written by our guitarist, Mireya Batres.
We’re currently recording our first single and will have a music video out within the next month. This year, our goal is to record a full album, perform at festivals, and present our own concert, all while continuing to highlight our feminine voices and signature style. 🌹🎶
Pricing:
- Pricing is set based on event date, location, time and type of event.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mariachichicana.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariachichicana/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariachichicana
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mariachichicana
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariachichicana
Image Credits
Azariah Reese Media Co
