Topeka in Shawnee County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Mariachi Divina!
Mariachi Estrella de Topeka Musical Tribute
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 30, 2011
1. Mariachi Divina! Marker
In 1977, seven women from Kansas banded together to share with America, the traditions, culture and music of Mexico - and Mariachi Estrella de Topeka was born. Originally a choir of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, the group rose to become regional performing artists. In the male-dominated world of mariachi, these pioneering women became the first all-female mariachi in Kansas and one of the first groups of its kind in the U.S. Their success, however, was cut short on July 17, 1981, when four members lost their lives in a tragic accident.
[Relief](l-r), Dolores Galvan, Connie "Chae" Alcala, Dolores Carmona, Linda Rokey Scurlock
And their music lived on through mariachi members left behind
Teresa Cuevas, Rachel Galvan, Isabel "Bolie" Gonzales
This Mariachi Estrella de Topeka Musical Tribute ensures that the story and the music of these seven women will forever be heard.
Dedicated July 12, 2006
Sculptor: Emanuel Martinez
Erected 2006.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Hispanic Americans • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is July 17, 1981.
Location. 39° 2.926′ N, 95° 40.363′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kansas. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Site of the First State Capitol (approx. 0.2 miles away); Church of the Assumption (approx. Ό mile away); Samuel J. Crumbine, MD (approx. Ό mile away); Alfred M. Landon State Office Building (approx. Ό mile away); G.A.R. Memorial Building (approx. Ό mile away); In the Year of Our Nation's Bicentennial (approx. Ό mile away); On This Site (approx. Ό mile away); Charles Curtis (approx. 0.3 miles
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 30, 2011
2. Mariachi Divina! Memorial
Also see . . .
1. Mariachi Divina: New film celebrates legacy of Kansas mariachi legends, Mariachi Estrella de Topeka. Lawrence Journal World website entry (Submitted on October 18, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. Hyatt Regency walkway collapse. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on December 22, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 30, 2011
3. Mariachi Divina! Relief
via Lawrence Journal World, unknown
4. Mariachi Estrella de Topeka
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 30, 2011
5. Topeka Performing Arts Center
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,069 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 18, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 4. submitted on December 22, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 5. submitted on October 18, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
