Mariachi Real De Mexico represents Richmond Hill in 2021 Beat of the Boroughs fest

By Ramon Ponce, as told to the Eagle

Ramon Ponce is the co-founder and director of Mariachi Real De Mexico and the Mariachi Academy of New York. The Richmond Hill resident is featured in the Center for Traditional Music and Dance’s Beat of the Boroughs: NYC Online series, which is showcasing the artistry of 54 of the city’s leading immigrant performers and diverse cultural traditions from around the world.

 Your musical journey — when did it start and how?

 I am a fourth generation of musicians in my family. Music is something that we do since we were born. It is part of our heritage and tradition. I started singing at the age of five years old, playing guitar at seven, playing vihuela at nine, and the guitarron when I was 14 years old.

What drew you to Queens?

My father, Ramon Ponce, Sr., was invited to be part of a Queens-based mariachi band in the late 80s. The band was based in Jamaica, Queens, where my father still lives. We've been part of the Queens community for more than 30 years.

What makes your music distinctive? 

Mariachi music is not just a genre; it is a whole tradition and heritage that embraces not only Mexicans but Latin American and people from all over the world. Mariachi music became Mexico's flag and it's known worldwide. It is a genre that comes from the heart and goes to the heart.

What inspires your musical repertoire?

The influence from musicians in New York and music from all over the world inspires us.

We have done collaborations with all types of genres, and we are always inspired in new ways.

Of course, we always look back and stay true to our roots, and artists such as Javier Solis, Jorge Negrete, and Pedro Infante are always an inspiration.

 How has the pandemic affected your group?

 The pandemic has affected the whole entertainment industry and we are no exception.

Performances in big venues, festivals, and all the massive events have been cancelled. We are very fortunate to continue to perform at smaller events for now, and hope that everything will be back soon.

How are you reaching audiences now?

 Like everyone else, we had to reinvent ourselves and use technology to continue making music.

We do virtual performances, and all of our Mariachi Academy of New York programs have been moved online. We are very happy to continue sharing our live performances and music lessons online. It is our way to help our community during these difficult times.

What are your hopes for 2021?

Our hopes for 2021 is that all of the big events — like concert and festivals — come back soon!

What does it mean to you to be part of Beat of the Boroughs: NYC Online?

It is always an honor to share our music and I would like to thank the Center for Traditional Music and Dance for allowing us to continue to do it virtually through the Beat of the Boroughs: NYC Online. It means a lot not only to us as artists but to the communities involved. 

You can on watch Ramon Ponce’s presentation on Jan. 6 at 5 p.m.on CTMD’s YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/CTMDProgramsConcerts or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CTMDnyc.  And, learn more about Mariachi Real De Mexico at www.MariachiRealDeMexico.com and www.MariachiAcademyNY.org