Mariachi runs in his blood

Coming from a family line of mariachis, young people can feel an innate pull to follow in the musical footsteps of their predecessors. But mariachis, like any other musicians, have to hustle for their living – ignoring the traditional constraints of school and the typical weekday schedule. "Although I love playing music, the mariachi lifestyle can sometimes be very difficult for a 16-year-old high school student... For me, mariachi music is an escape that allows me to express myself the only way I know how — through songs." More, on Boyle Heights Beat.