WATSONVILLE—The musical group Rosa Azul is set to perform Sunday at Studio Judy G on Main Street.
The quartet, which describes itself as “a new ensemble of professional musicians that perform some of the best Mexican music with a polished flare,” will perform in the surroundings of the current exhibit, “Welcome Aboard,” which features paintings and photographs, both recent and historical, from local artists.
“It’s a nice partnership with Judy Gittelsohn who is interested in local ensembles,” said violinist Adam Bolaños Scow. “Our music includes a lot of classic, old mariachi era songs and some of the greatest classical pieces—like ‘Dios Nunca Muere’—as well as modern pieces.”
Bolaños Scow also performs with various classical chamber music groups and the Santa Cruz Symphony.
The group also includes Jose Chuy Hernandez, lead vocalist, guitar and vihuela, who runs a music academy in Hollister. Jose Sanchez, trumpet, and Russell Rodriguez, guitaron and vocals, join Bolaños Scow and Hernandez. Rodriguez is also a member of Mariachi Mexico based in Gilroy.
“We want to present this music in the best light because we really like the music,” Bolaños Scow said. “We’re a performance-based ensemble. We love this music and want to share it with people in our area.”
The name of their group stems from the popular tune, “Motivos.” The show will mark their second performance in Watsonville. The musicians have performed in various ensembles around the Central Coast. Scow, who lives in Watsonville, has studied with the St. Lawrence String Quartet, and has appeared with Latin and jazz ensembles across Northern California. He serves as violin instructor at the CANTA Music Academy and is a guest violinist with Watsonville-based Mariachi California.
Gittelsohn recently opened her studio in hopes of showcasing art, guest speakers and performers to highlight the Pajaro Valley.
Rosa Azul performs at 2pm on Sunday at Studio Judy G, 430 Main St. Doors open at 1:30pm. Tickets are $20. To reserve a spot, contact Bolaños Scow at [email protected].
