Police target unlicensed Mariachi bands
The San Antonio Police Department is no collective stranger to strangers posing as unlicensed Mariachis, many of whom have had no formal training from Mexican musicians and often use illegal instruments. Many tourists have been approached on the Riverwalk by these illegal groups, who refuse to stop playing La Bamba until they receive payment. Many of these tourists have families, and the Mariachi’s approach the youngest Americans in the families, offering them music in exchange for blurred photographs and expected payment.
The San Antonio Police have warned visitors not to encourage these groups, and has issued guidelines on how to identify members of the San Antonio Mariachi Band Association, or SAMBA. SAMBA members wear black coats with white markings, whereas as many illegal groups use counterfeit coats and oversized guitars to hide the lack of white markings.
The band in the sting operation above was arrested and sentenced to 6 months in jail for impersonating a SAMBA group. The tourists were also given a fine of $200 each ($150 for under 21′s) for funding the illegal group, and their beer was confiscated. Don’t be a victim – remember this simple slogan for identifying a mariachi:
“Black coats and white markings play, black coats and large guitars go away.”
If you’ve been approached by any illegal mariachis, please go to the nearest bicycle cop who will be happy to fine you for aiding and abetting unlicensed music.
