Community raises money for 12-year-old’s mariachi dreams in Utah
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Jordan Tracy, ABC4
TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (ABC4) — Twelve-year-old Brandon Malanche is packing his bags for Texas to compete in the Mariachi Extravaganza. His community gathered in Taylorsville on Friday to raise funds for his trip while enjoying a night of food and, of course, music!
Brandon performs with his little brother Bryan in a duo called “Los Hermanos Dinamita.” He has a strong passion for mariachi. He detailed, “It’s just the music that’s just beautiful. And then the letter that the music has is also beautiful. I just love it.”
His parents, Maribel Rios and Alejandro Malanche, said they feel very proud when he sings. Alejandro told us he gets excited to see people applaud and cheer for the boys when they sing. He said Brandon performed at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ “Luz de Naciones,” and felt honored to watch the thousands there watch Brandon sing.
The family explained it will cost $5,000 for the flight, stay, and mariachi. On top of the fundraiser Friday night that included members of the community and local businesses, they are also taking donations to Maribel’s cash app “$MaribelRios99.” Information can also be found on Brandon’s official Facebook page.
The Mariachi Extravaganza takes place December 5 in San Antonio, Texas.