Their teen friendship is tight, forged by their love of Mariachi music and their shared dream. It seemed so easy to Moochi, Chico, Ladybug, and Turo—work hard and save the money needed for the trip from their small Arizona town to Tucson, to take part in the Annual International Mariachi Conference. No worries, until the strength of their friendship is tested and then shaken by unforeseen problems that shatter their security and trust, threaten to break up their band, and force them to deal with an intolerance they’ve never felt before. The answers they need may lie in the surrounding desert that has always offered them peace, as well as danger.
"The joys and sorrows of four friends who share their talents, their dreams and most of all their love of Mariachi Music will capture your interest and your heart."
—Carol Costa, Author of Invisible Force, The Master Plan, Under Suspicion
“Rich in culture—a story for everyone who values friendship, music and life.”
—Roxanne Felix, Sunnyside High School Los Diablitos Mariachi, Tucson, AZ 2000-2003
"Roxanne (Roxy) Felix, the first Mariachi I met in 2003, whose knowledge and advice has been invaluable. It should be no surprise that Moochi bears a strong resemblance to Roxy—both are very dear to me."
—Mary Ann Hutchison
Do you have a question for Mary Ann, Moochi, Ladybug, Chico or Turo?
Send questions—100 words or less—to
moochis4mariachis@comcast.net
When Mary Ann was 18, a turn of the car radio dial "accidentally" carried the music to her heart, where it remained; she was hooked. Its sound and beat stayed with her. Ten years later Hutchison moved to Tucson, Arizona, and over the years, as her love of the culture and its people grew, she realized that one word—mariachi—defined the music, and the musician, and a culture.
Mariachi is heard and played in every US state and in every country in the world. The music mirrors a person’s highs and lows, sorrows and happiness, and all stages of love. For Mary Ann, the trumpet is king, as it soars, making her heart race and bringing tears to her eyes or broad smiles to her face.
Hutchison’s writing family includes: the Arizona Mystery Writers where she is currently presiding chair, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and the Society of Southwestern Authors where Mary Ann is an Executive Board member, past coordinator of its annual writing contest, and a 2009 Conference Committee member.
