IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09-27-06 CONTACT: PUBLIC INFORMATION

 

            SILVER CITY – Jessica Juarez is from Deming but attends Western New Mexico University in Silver City.  She speaks mostly in English but sings mostly in Spanish.  She likes country and Christian music but performs in the Mariachi style. 

            Juarez, an 18 year old who graduated from Deming High in May, seems like a kaleidoscope of interests.  It is reflected in her busy schedule as a full-time student enrolled in 16 credits, with a full time job at Mimbres Memorial Hospital in Deming, and a second job as a singer.  She commutes to Silver at least three times a week to attend classes and any bookings she may have for performances.

When Juarez by chance noticed decorations celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the office of Multicultural Affairs and Student Activities she stopped by to ask MASA Director Maria Dominguez if there was a spot for her.  Dominguez booked her for the September celebration and the Dia De Los Muertos event in November.

            Singing since she was young, Juarez’s interest in performing was catapulted during her high school years when she was a member of the Deming High School group Mariachi Amistad.  The experience allowed her to showcase her voice with the group but rarely in solo opportunities.  Her eagerness to showcase her solo talent led her to start singing in Deming to interested groups.  Mariachi Amistad has put out four CDs and Juarez’s voice is showcased on the last two.

            Ambition is not new to Juarez.  She attended WNMU as a concurrent student, took up violin lessons at a young age, and now performs throughout southern New Mexico.  Studying pre-med, she plans to get her nursing degree and transfer to UNM. 

            While her studies seem intense, Juarez says she takes her singing just as seriously.  “If someone came up to me and said I had a choice between a record and a degree – I’d take the record contract.”  Each booking is $100 an hour.  “Some days I go from a funeral to a wedding to a quinceañera.” 

            “I envision her touring,” said her mom, Patricia Juarez.  Serving as her manager, Patricia is at her daughter’s side encouraging her along the way. “When she was in high school I had my limits,” but know Jessica seems free to make her own decisions.  She will attend the Mariachi Conference in Las Cruces this November where she plans to enroll in violin classes once again.

           

             

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