Sergio “Checo” Alonso

Mexican Harpist

A native of: Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, son of Mexican immigrants from Jalisco and San Luis Potosi

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in ethnomusicology from UCLA in 1999, Master’s Degree in Cross-cultural Education

Began his professional performing career: in 1997 as a member of the world-renowned Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano

Has performed and/or recorded with: Linda Ronstadt, Jose Feliciano, Vikki Carr, Carlos Santana, Caetano Veloso, Lila Downs, Aida Cuevas, Filarmónica de Jalisco, Filarmónica de la Ciudad de Mexico, Filarmónica de Queretaro, Filarmónica de Guanajuato, Chicago Sinfonietta, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Little Feat, The Chieftains

Awards: 2006 Durfee Foundation Master Musician Fellowship. 2008 Grammy Award: Best Regional Mexican Album

Other positions: music teacher at San Fernando High School, delegate on the National Association for Music Education’s Mariachi Advisory Committee