Flor De Toloache

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Founded in 2008, Flor de Toloache is New York City's First and only All-Female Mariachi band. As presented in the New York Times, NPR, MTV, NBC, The New Yorker, Univision, Telemundo, The Wall Street Journal and more, Flor De Toloache is co-directed by lead singers Mireya I. Ramos (founder) and Shae Fiol (original member). Reminiscent of the early days, the group started as a trio featuring the traditional Mariachi instruments harp, violin and vihuela (5-string guitar). Today, the band has grown up to 12 members, featuring all of the traditional instruments essential in Mariachi: violins, trumpets, guitar, guitarrón (acoustic bass) and vihuela, as well as some surprising elements such as flute and cajón (percussion). Representing NYC’s cultural melting pot, the members' backgrounds span the globe, defining the band’s unique sound and appearance - from Mexico to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Colombia, Germany, Italy and the United States.

The result of this cultural bouquet is an edgy, versatile and fresh take on traditional Mexican music. They coalesce as would a band of sisters, with grace and vibrant beauty, casting a spell over their audiences not unlike the legendary Toloache flower still being used in Mexico as a love potion. While working to preserve centuries old Mariachi tradition, their exotic melange of traditional and contemporary styles pushes the boundaries of the genre and brings Mariachi music to a modern global audience. Their intoxicating performances have illuminated world-renown stages in India, Spain, Bahrain and in state-side venues such as NYC’s Blue Note and Summer Stage, LA’s Dodger's Stadium and Washington DC’s The Kennedy Center. Most recently, they have been invited to attend The 2015 International Mariachi Festival of Guadalajara, Mexico, while their Debut album has been nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Ranchera Album. They have also been recording and performing with Grammy-winning Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach on his new project, The Arcs, released in September 2015, and are scheduled to tour both in support and as part of The Arcs in Europe and US throughout the new year.

REVIEWS

““It’s got top-notch musicianship, mariachi swagger for days, and a performance style that captures all the power and emotion you’d hope for.””

— NPR MUSIC

““They present a powerful, unapologetic image of women as mariachi musicians.””

— The Wall Street Journal

““These are the unlikely members of Mariachi Flor de Toloache, a New York mariachi band. Even more unlikely: all of the band’s nine members are women, the pioneers of what they believe is the city’s first all-female mariachi ensemble.””

— The New York TImes