MARIACHISSIMA The Art of Restorative Mariachi

Maricela Martinez is a second-generation mariachi trumpet player, educator, and social justice advocate, shattering gender barriers through the power of music and restorative justice.

Maricela Martinez is a second-generation mariachi pioneer and a trailblazing "artivist" redefining the role of women in traditional Mexican music. Known as "Mariachissima," her story began in the heart of mariachi culture: Guadalajara, Jalisco. At age 16, she launched her career alongside her father, Martin Velazquez, later honing her craft under the legendary maestro Crecencio Hernandez. Today, with nearly 30 years of mastery in the estilo mariachero, she has brought the soul of the trumpet to the world’s most prestigious stages, including The White House, the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.In 2023, Maricela’s global impact was honored in Mexico City, where she was named “La Trompetista del Año” and awarded a Doctor Honoris Causa for her extraordinary lifelong contributions to the mariachi tradition.As the founder and director of the internationally acclaimed Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas (est. 2007), Maricela has shattered gender barriers, becoming a sought-after collaborator for icons like Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Mon Laferte, Omar Apollo, Natanael Cano, Lupita Infante, and La Santa Cecilia. Her influence also shines across film and television, with appearances on The Conan O’Brien Show, Tengo Talento Mucho Talento, Lopez vs Lopez, and Vida Starz, as well as her own documentary, Las Mariachis.Despite her elite accolades, Maricela remains deeply rooted in the everyday life of mi gente. She considers her performances at backyard gatherings, quinceañeras, weddings, and funerals to be the heartbeat of her career. For Maricela, these intimate moments are where music meets nuestras raíces (our roots), providing a direct connection to the joys and sorrows of the Latino community.A dedicated advocate and scholar, Maricela serves as a Mentor Artist for the Alliance for California Traditional Arts (ACTA) and has taught at UC Berkeley, Cal Poly, and the University of San Diego (USD). She is currently advancing her mission through Arte Terapia, Musicoterapia, Psicopedagogía Musical, and Neuropsicología del Arte, ensuring that the trumpet remains not just an instrument of celebration, but a powerful tool for social justice and emotional healing.