The CHISPA Foundation, The Arizona Historical Society ,  the University of Arizona School of Music and the Elisa Gastellum’s Memorial Foundation proudly present the 3rd Annual VIVA ARIZONA! Hispanic Performing Arts Conference, three days of workshops culminating in a fiesta and concert from July 30-August 2 at the University of Arizona,  that celebrates the role of Hispanic culture, music and dance in Tucson’s History.

The workshops, taught by professional artists, provide a unique opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn flamenco, salsa, folklorico and reggeton hip-hop dancing, as well as musical instruction in mariachi, tejano, marimba, trios, and voice.

We expect over 3000 people to attend the conference, fiesta and concert this year. 

At the fiesta following the participant showcase, AHS plans to have a Storycorps program, modeled on National Public Radio’s oral-history project of that name, where the attendees can reminisce about how music and dance has influenced them. The educational programming incorporated into the fiesta will present the evolution of Hispanic music and dance in its social, cultural and historic context. AHS’s will draw heavily from their  archives and collections to provide photographs and documents to support the event’s educational component. Each performance will be video recorded, and these videos will be added to AHS’s library collections and Web site for future generations. To enhance the fiesta, authentic Mexican food and drinks will be featured.

Following the Fiesta and participant showcase, the amazing professional musicians and dancers will perform in the VIVA ARIZONA! Concert-  100 years of Hispanic musical memories at the UA Centennial Hall.