December 1st: Mariachi Christmas 2018 benefit concert at The Lensic Performing Arts Center

Proceeds benefit students going into behavioral health

2:37pm November 13 2018 | SantaFeToday Staff

In front of a lunchtime crowd at the Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center, Fred Sandoval, executive director for the National Latino Behavioral Health Association interviewed Gino Rinaldi, Director of the City of Santa Fe’s Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center and Lorenzo Lujan, of Mariachi Differencia.

Their discussion focused on the importance of having behavioral health services available for senior citizens, and the upcoming benefit Mariachi Christmas 2018 concert that funds scholarships for students going into the field of behavioral health.

According to Mr. Rinaldi, the City of Santa Fe Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center provides basic services such as meals, transportation and meals-on-wheels for homebound seniors.

In addition the city offers enhanced services such as yoga, enhanced fitness for healthy aging, live musical performances and karaoke. Citing the Older Americans Act, Mr. Rinaldi stressed the importance of providing services to those in greatest economic and social needs, while the underlying service is to provide social interaction. Studies indicate that emotional states of older adults may deteriorate if they are isolated from some kind of social interaction. It is positive for adults mental health with participation in social programs.

Other interesting facts about the Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center:

• 2,500 unique people
• 190,000 meals per year
• 60,000 trips
• 20,000 hours of homemaker and respite care work

For the last four years, the National Latino Behavioral Health Association, in cooperation with KSWV Radio 99.9FM 810AM, has produced the Mariachi Christmas to raise scholarship funds for students going into the field of behavioral health. Mariachi Differencia is one of the groups performing at the concert.

Lorenzo Lujan, of Mariachi Differencia, was born in Santa Fe and grew up in Isleta. Mariachi music is a family affair in the Lujan household. All of his kids play instruments and perform mariachi music. Mr. Lujan’s cousin is Christina Gomez who performs guitar, and lead vocals with Mariachi Sonidos del Monte.

The benefit concert is available for all age groups and will take place in the world renowned Lensic Performing Arts Center in downtown Santa Fe. To purchase tickets call 505-988-1234 or visit www.ticketssantafe.org.