When Brisa Bergeron moved from Tucson, Arizona, to California in 2017, she brought more than a suitcase—she carried a lifelong dream shaped by the rhythms of violins, trumpets, and traditional mariachi songs that first captured her heart at the age of five. Today, that dream has taken her all the way to the Latin Grammy Awards as a violinist and vocalist with the world-renowned, all-female ensemble Mariachi Reina de Los Ángeles.
A Childhood in Music
Brisa grew up immersed in music through Tucson’s vibrant mariachi programs. “I went to a bilingual elementary school where they started us in music as early as kindergarten,” she recalled. “I began with the guitar, then switched to violin in second grade—and I never stopped.”
Through elementary, middle, and high school, Brisa played in both school and youth mariachi groups. Her passion continued after graduation, and by the time she moved to California, she knew that she wanted to take her music further.
Finding Her Place in Mariachi Reina
Soon after arriving in Los Angeles, Brisa joined a small group to gain experience performing locally. “My ultimate goal was always to be in Mariachi Reina de Los Ángeles,” she said. “I grew up listening to them—their sound, their arrangements, and their elegance just amazed me.”
That goal became reality sooner than expected. Within a year of her move, she received a call inviting her to a rehearsal. “I was nervous,” she admitted with a smile, “but they asked me to start traveling and performing with them, and by March 2018 I was a full member.”
The Legacy of Mariachi Reina de Los Ángeles
Formed in 1994 by music director José Hernández, Mariachi Reina de Los Ángeles was the first all-female mariachi group in the United States. Hernández, already leader of the acclaimed Mariachi Sol de México, wanted to create opportunities for young women who dreamed of performing professionally in what had long been a male-dominated genre.
“Before Reina, little girls in mariachi programs didn’t have role models who looked like them,” Brisa explained. “Now they do. That’s what makes this group so special.”
A Grammy-Bound Dream
Mariachi Reina de Los Ángeles has earned multiple Latin Grammy nominations over the years, and this November 13, 2025, the group will travel to Las Vegas for the Latin Grammys once again. “It’s really emotional,” Brisa said. “Recording an album takes so much work, and being nominated already feels like winning.”
Their nominated album features the fan-favorite medley “Popurrí La Dama de Hierro,” a tribute to Mexican pop icon Marisela. “It’s one of my favorites to perform,” Brisa said. “It’s fun, powerful, and full of energy.”
The group faces tough competition—icons such as Christian Nodal and Pepe Aguilar—but Brisa remains humble. “We already feel like winners just to be in the same category as artists like them,” she said.
Keeping the Music Alive
When she’s not traveling for performances, Brisa works in the front office at McKinley Elementary School. Balancing her day job with rehearsals and weekend shows—sometimes nine performances in a single weekend—requires dedication and stamina.
“I love what I do, but it’s a demanding schedule,” she said. “One day, I’d like to become a music teacher and help bring mariachi programs into more schools, the way I experienced them growing up.”
Passing the Torch
For Brisa, mariachi is more than music—it’s heritage, connection, and storytelling passed down through generations. “Most mariachi songs are traditional pieces that have been played for decades,” she explained. “We’re like a living cover band, keeping those songs alive in new ways.”
Her message to young people is simple but heartfelt: “If you have a passion, don’t be embarrassed to chase it. Keep practicing, stay confident, and trust your instincts. The more you do it, the better you’ll feel—and the farther you’ll go.”
A Life in Harmony
Outside of music, Brisa enjoys quiet nights at home with her husband and their two Australian Shepherds, movie outings, and good food. But music remains her heartbeat. Inspired by legendary singers such as Rocío Dúrcal and Aida Cuevas, she continues to honor her roots while carving her own path forward.
“I’ve been doing this since I was five,” she said softly. “I just want to leave a mark—and help the next generation of kids know that they can, too.”
Mariachi Reina de Los Ángeles can be found on all major social-media platforms and at mariachireinadelosangeles.com.
The 2025 Latin Grammy Awards will take place November 13 in Las Vegas.