From the 1950s to the 1970s, International Cafe aired live from the WGN-TV studios in Chicago as part of a long running music series.
A 1964 episode featured a local prominent Mexican group, Mariachi Potosino.
Amador Alba is the last surviving member of the group, having played the trumpet with them from 1961 to 1966.
He performed alongside his father Jose Cruz Alba, who served as the group’s music director.
Cruz was a pioneer of the mariachi scene in Chicago and as a way to honor that legacy, his nephew co-curated an exhibit at the National Mexican Museum of Art. It features timeless photographs, newspaper articles, sheet music, instruments and the traditional charro suit.
The exhibit highlights Cruz’s journey in Chicago and the influence of Mariachi Potosino in the city and beyond.
WGN’s Andrea Medina has the story.
The exhibit runs through Oct. 13 and admission is free.