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There is no doubt that Don Cruz Lizarraga, late founder and leader of Sinaloa's
most famous musical group, the Banda El Recodo, is well remembered here.
Four years after Lizarraga's death, his music lives on with his son German
now directing the group that Don Cruz made famous throughout Mexico and
the United States and, in fact, the world. Each year on June 17, the day
on which he actually died, his family, his musicians and his fans visit
his grave and attend a memorial mass in his honor. It also has been the
custom for musicians from near and far to remember Don Cruz by playing a
free show at the Teodoro Mariscal baseball stadium. This year was even more
special, because Sinaloa Gov. Juan S. Millan came down from Culiacan to
join Mayor Alejandro Higuera in the unveiling of a life-size statue of Don
Cruz. It has been erected in the triangle directly across the street from
the Mazatlan Aquarium, at the intersection of Avenida de los Deportes with
Rio Fuerte which, by municipal proclamation, will |
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henceforth be called Avenida Cruz Lizarraga. The unveiling and renaming
ceremonies were a mob scene in which, besides the top government officials,
his widow Chuyita and sons German, Alfonso, Jorge and Jose Angel attended.
The morning event attracted attention from the national and international
press and television, as well as scores of fans. The statue, sculpted by
Oscar Ponzanelli, effectively captures the spirit of Don Cruz. He stands
looking out towards the sea with a clarinet in hand, a tuba and a snare
drum (tambora) at his side. From the new Avenida Cruz Lizarraga the official
entourage went on to the cathedral for a memorial mass in honor of the late
musician. Then, starting at 4:45 in the afternoon, the mammoth memorial
concert began at the ball park. High point of the concert by a dozen musical
groups was the appearance of German Lizarraga with the Banda El Recodo,
playing some of their all-time hits. Don Cruz would have loved it. |
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Don Cruz Lizarraga's
Monument
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