Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson asks for public’s help taking on new project to tell their story

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TUCSON, Arizona (KOLD News 13) – The first mariachi youth group in the United States was formed in Tucson and is now hoping for the community to help bring a new project to life.

If you know mariachi music, you’ve almost certainly heard of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson. The group was founded in 1964 and is known worldwide. But now some of the original members are ready to share their stories.

For many, mariachi music is the heart and soul of Tucson.

And in the Old Pueblo this music is synonymous with Los Changuitos Feos, which translates as “the ugly little monkeys”.

“The musical genius of young people who came together in 64 and decided that their culture was valuable and that music was part of our bloodline,” says Original Member Francisco Escobar.

And the band has stood the test of time, with generations of youngsters continuing to play.

But now the Changuitos are taking on another project, uniting the original members to re-record music and make a film about the rich culture.

It’s called “ugly little monkeys”.

“If we look at what is happening to the entire youth mariachi movement in Tucson today, we can trace everything back to what these guys started back then, and a lot of people don’t know,” says executive producer David Valdez.

But the group’s success story has a dark side. An Irish priest led the changuitos and sexual assault allegations were made.

“There have been rumors that the priest addressed a person and we can gloss it over and sweep it further under the carpet like we have done for 55 years, but it’s a documentary and to be true sometimes these bad things” that must have happened you tell them, ”says Valdez.

But Valdez says this is not an attack on the church, and while it is talked about in this project, he will focus on the triumph and focus on the triumph where it is due – the musicians.

“Give them the support, applaud them because they need to be recognized not only at the community level, at the Tucson level, but also nationally and globally. these men need this credit. “

The group is now asking for donations from the population to put this plan into practice. If you want to donate, click here.

Copyright 2021 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved.

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