Songs of belonging: EWU’s Mariachi Las Águilas helps communities embrace their culture on Cinco de Mayo

Section:Gallery

Wed., April 30, 2025

Jesus Lopez, 59, plays during a practice for Mariachi Las Aguilas on Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025, on EWU’s Campus in Cheney, Wash. Lopez’ sons Alejandro Lopez and Abraham Lopez also play with the group.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
Jacqueline Medina Green, 29, sings during a practice for Mariachi Las Aguilas on Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025, on EWU’s Campus in Cheney, Wash.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
Jesus Lopez, 59, plays the trumpet during a practice for Mariachi Las Aguilas with hands showing the evidence of a hard day’s work from his profession as a mechanic on Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025, on EWU’s Campus in Cheney, Wash. Lopez’ sons Alejandro Lopez and Abraham Lopez also play with the group.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
A Mexican Flag heart pin is photographed on the backpack of a band member during a practice for Mariachi Las Aguilas on Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025, on EWU’s Campus in Cheney, Wash.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
EWU freshmen Rebeca Lara, center, and Mateo Garcia, left, work through a verse during a practice for Mariachi Las Águilas on Tuesday on EWU’s Campus in Cheney.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
Jacqueline Medina Green, 29, smiles at her bandmates as a song comes to a close during a practice for Mariachi Las Aguilas on Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025, on EWU’s Campus in Cheney, Wash.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
Lucas Lopez, 1, holds the hand of his father Alejandro Lopez as the pair arrive for a practice with Mariachi Las Aguilas on Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025, on EWU’s Campus in Cheney, Wash. Lopez’ uncle Abraham Lopez and grandfather Jesus Lopez also play with the group.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
Jacqueline Medina Green, 29, laughs with EWU music professor Sheila Woodward, left, during a practice for Mariachi Las Aguilas on Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025, on EWU’s Campus in Cheney, Wash.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
Lucas Lopez, 1, holds the leg of his father Alejandro Lopez as the pair practice with Mariachi Las Aguilas on Tuesday on EWU’s Campus in Cheney. Lopez’s uncle Abraham Lopez and grandfather Jesus Lopez also play with the group.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
Jesus Lopez, 59, plays the trumpet during a practice for Mariachi Las Aguilas with hands showing the evidence of a hard day’s work from his profession as a mechanic on Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025, on EWU’s Campus in Cheney, Wash. Lopez’ sons Alejandro Lopez and Abraham Lopez also play with the group.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review