In 1987, Jorge Lopez was invited to participate in the recording of Linda Ronstadt’s Las Canciones de mi Padre. In working with one of the greatest Mariachi bands of all time, Mariachi Vargas, Jorge had the idea of forming his own Mariachi band due to the lack of authentic representation of Mariachi music in Canada at the time. In 1988 Jorge began training musicians in traditional Mexican folk music. This gave birth to MEXICO AMIGO. Since then, they have evolved into a professional working ensemble, eager to bring Mexico’s native music to the public. During the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement, MEXICO AMIGO played for the President of Mexico on behalf of Canada. This performance prompted an invitation to the annual Mariachi conference in Mexico, the Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi. Since that time MEXICO AMIGO has represented Canada at this annual event. MEXICO AMIGO has performed at such venues as the Royal Ontario Museum, the Canadian National Exhibition and Harbourfront. They have also performed at the WOMAD Festival, the International Hispanic Festival, the annual Mexican Independence Celebration at Nathan Phillips Square and Kempenfest. They were named as TORONTO’S BEST MARIACHI BAND by Toronto Life Magazine in 1999. MEXICO AMIGO, like the great City of Toronto, consists of a diverse mix of international cultures. Jorge is particularly proud of the fact that, although the band members come from all over the world, they respect and do their best to preserve the traditional style and sound of Mexico’s great Mariachi music. Because of MEXICO AMIGO’s professionalism, reliability and authenticity they are recommended exclusively by The Mexican Department of Tourism, The Mexican Consulate, The Toronto Musician’s Association and The Toronto Board of Trade. The band provides an exciting, vivid view of Mexican folklore and culture, featuring authentic costumes and instruments that highlight its extensive repertoire.
In 2014 Mexico Amigo went to a tour to China, performed in an international festival representing noy only Mexico, but all Latin America.