Aurora University’s Day of Generosity opened with a Latin American flair Thursday, April 3.
After an introduction by AU president Susana Rivera-Mills, 11 acclaimed female musicians presented “An Evening with Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea” in AU’s Crimi Auditorium. The free, public event opened AU’s inaugural Day of Generosity, a fundraiser to support student scholarships and campus improvements.
Mariachi Divas performed music ranging from mariachi classics to jazz and pop featuring ensemble and soloists in Spanish and English. Founded in 1999 by Cindy Shea, trumpet player and music director, the group is a double GRAMMY Award winner. Other credits include eight GRAMMY nominations and three Latin GRAMMY nominations. Specializing in live concerts, television,commercials and film recordings, the group’s recording track record includes 20 professional album releases produced and directed by Shea.
The concert accompanied a week of pop-up events leading up to AU’s inaugural Day of Generosity Friday, April 4 a 24-hour initiative.
—Al Benson