Meet the Musician: Jonathan Armando De Santiago Shares Heritage Through the Music of Mariachi
For Jonathan Armando De Santiago, music is more than entertainment. It is a connection to family, culture, memories and the traditions that have helped shape who he is.
Born and raised in Nebraska and proudly of Zacatecan heritage, Jonathan discovered a love for creativity at an early age. His artistic journey actually began not with music, but with painting and drawing — early forms of expression that eventually gave way to another great passion.
Music.
This September, Jonathan will share that passion as a mariachi soloist during Fall for the Arts in downtown Columbus.
A Guitar and the Beginning of a Musical Journey
Jonathan's musical story began in high school when his parents gave him his first guitar.
From there, he taught himself to play, drawing inspiration from the music of Los Panchos and the cassette tapes he listened to during those years.
As he continued playing, Jonathan gradually developed his own musical style while deepening his appreciation for traditional music.
Today, the songs he performs allow him to keep those traditions alive.
For Jonathan, every performance offers an opportunity to share something personal — his culture, his memories and the pride he takes in his heritage.
Keeping Traditions Alive Through Music
There's something particularly special about experiencing traditional music live.
The clothing. The guitar. The melodies. The stories carried within the songs.
Together, they connect today's audience with traditions passed from one generation to another.
Jonathan is grateful that he continues to have the opportunity to perform and share those musical traditions with others. His performances are not simply about playing songs; they're about preserving and sharing a part of his identity.
That makes his appearance at Fall for the Arts particularly meaningful.
The festival was created to bring many different forms of artistic expression into downtown Columbus — visual art, theater, jazz, rock, classical music and more — while giving people an opportunity to discover the stories behind the people creating it.
Jonathan brings another voice to that celebration, sharing the sounds and traditions of mariachi music.
See Jonathan Armando De Santiago at Fall for the Arts
🎶 Jonathan Armando De Santiago — Mariachi Soloist
📍 Columbus Art Gallery
🕑 2:00 p.m.
📅 Saturday, September 19
Fall for the Arts takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout downtown Columbus and is free to attend.
Come hear Jonathan's music. Learn a little of his story. And experience how art can connect generations, cultures and communities.
The businesses become the galleries. Downtown becomes the stage.
