Anthony Medrano is a producer, director, musician, choreographer, and writer based in San Antonio, Texas. Currently he works as the co-producer and director of Mariachi USA, an annual concert held at the Hollywood Bowl that attracts over 18,000 spectators. The concert features musical groups and dance companies from throughout the United States and Mexico. In addition to co-writing the show, Anthony choreographs the dancers and musicians, and is now in his 5th season.
In 2004, Anthony co-produced, directed and co-wrote “The M Show,” a mariachi spectacular at the V Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was the first mariachi musical show to have a theatrical run on the Vegas Strip. The show enjoyed an 8-month run and was well received by audiences and critics alike.
Anthony began performing at age 13 as a Mexican Folklorico dancer with Ballet Folklorico de San Antonio, and later with DanzAmérica. As part of his professional training, Anthony participated in numerous dance workshops led by instructors from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), and attended a weeklong intensive workshop under the instruction of dance master, José Greco.
While dancing, Anthony was introduced to the art of mariachi music. In 1986, he began performing as a violinist with Campanas de América. Today, Anthony continues to perform with this world-renowned musical ensemble, as well as writing performance dialogue and choreography. In this capacity, Anthony has appeared on over 100 mariachi recordings and has been featured in regional and national television commercials. He has performed at the Hollywood Bowl, the Kennedy Center, Red Rock, The Bass Theater, Farm Aide, and the White House.
Anthony is also a teacher of mariachi music and performance techniques. He served as a mariachi music instructor in the San Antonio Independent School District as well as conducted short courses at mariachi conferences in cities such as Tucson, Albuquerque, San Jose, and Los Angeles, to name just a few.
