The guitars and trumpets of the mariachi band create one of the most joyful musical sounds on earth. It's a sound that is associated with Mexico and the American Southwest, but you won't have to travel far to enjoy the excitement of mariachi. Just make plans to visit the RJN Downtown Library on June 4 at 2 p.m. for a performance by the Mariachi Orgullo de America Band. They will be delighting listeners in the 46 th Star Auditorium on the library's 4 th floor.

Mariachi Orgullo de America was founded in 2002 by Gregorio Hallman, Jorge Hernandez, José Solis, and Robert Ruiz. Since that time, several other talented musicians have joined with the core group to form what has been called "the most diverse and talented professional mariachi group that Oklahoma has to offer."

"The Metropolitan Library System is becoming well-known for its growing number of outstanding musical events," said Downtown librarian Darlene Browers, "but we are all really looking forward to having this group play for our customers. Mariachi is a lot of fun and very different from the musical styles we've had here before."

The band's lead violin player, Elizabeth Flinn, writes on their website, www.mariachiorgullo.com, that

"In 2005, Mariachi Orgullo de America helped found the first mariachi school programs in Oklahoma . Thanks to VH1, there are now two schools in Oklahoma with programs and many more to be established. As a result of this accomplishment, Mariachi Orgullo presented the idea of holding Oklahoma 's first Mariachi Festival to the Latino Community Development Agency.

"Mariachi Orgullo de America had the privilege of performing with Walt Disney World's official mariachi, Mariachi Cobre at the Civic Center and taught student, master, and administrative classes."

"I think this music is just irresistible," Browers added. "I bet some serious foot tapping will be going on during the performance!"

Mariachi Orgullo de America will be in concert at the RJN Downtown Library on June 4 at 2:00 p.m. Call Darlene Browers at 606-3878 for more information.

The Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County includes 12 libraries and five extension libraries. Libraries include Belle Isle, Capitol Hill, Ralph Ellison, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library and Southern Oaks in Oklahoma City, as well as Bethany, Choctaw, Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Village and Warr Acres. Extensions are located in the communities of Harrah, Jones, Luther and Nicoma Park and include Wright Library in Oklahoma City . You can also reach us at www.metrolibrary.org.