Grammy Award-winning trio the Villalobos Brothers will bring vibrant Mexican flair to SUNY Oswego’s Waterman Theater to launch this season’s ARTSwego’s Performing Arts Series on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. 

Born and raised in Xalapa, Veracruz, the Villalobos Brothers are widely regarded as one of the world’s leading contemporary Mexican ensembles. Internationally recognized for their unique mix of Mexican folk, Latin jazz and classical music, the Villalobos Brothers have performed on many well-known stages around the world. 

Their success has earned them collaborations with esteemed artists such as Arturo O’Farrill, Antonio Sánchez, Bruce Springsteen and Dolly Parton. In 2022, they shared a Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album with O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra for “Fandango at the Wall: Live in NYC.” 

Each brother brings a distinct style to the group’s sound. Alberto “Beto” Villalobos, a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, blends Mexican folk traditions and jazz improvisation, balancing his passion for music with yoga and craftsmanship. Ernesto “Ness” Villalobos, the youngest recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship, trained at the Manhattan School of Music and worked with artists like Eddie Palmieri and The Chieftains. Luis “Wess” Villalobos, who holds master’s degrees from Berklee College of Music and the University of Freiburg, made history in 2019 as the first Latin American musician featured on a Bruce Springsteen studio album.

Drawing from the Veracruz styles of Son Jaracho and Son Huasteco, the brothers’ music celebrates the richness of Mexican folklore and pushes the limits of music exploration. The Hart Hall Global Living and Learning Center on campus provides additional support for this program.

Upcoming events

The Villabolos performance marks the start of an ARTSwego season full of performances highlighting cultural traditions and creative storytelling. On Oct. 28, the newly renovated Hewitt Hall ballroom will host “The Paza Experience,” led by Delwin Fiddler Jr. and Samora Smith. Presented by non-profit organization Paza, Tree of Life, the performance features Native American flutes, drums and traditional songs with dance demonstrations and historical storytelling. 

On Feb. 18, 2026, Manual Cinema will visit Waterman Theater to put on a special performance of “The 4th Witch.” Inspired by Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”, the Emmy-winning performing collective will use shadow puppetry and live music to tell the story of a young girl orphaned by war and taken in by three witches. In this wordless performance about grief and resilience, the girl must choose between forgiving her father’s killer or seeking revenge. 

On March 11, 2026, ARTSwego, in partnership with the “I am Oz” Diversity Speaker Series, will present “Makin’ Cake” by Dasha Kelly Hamilton in Hewitt Hall ballroom. The show uses storytelling, digital media and live baking to slice into American history through race, culture and class. Hamilton’s use of interactive elements and humor creates a thought-provoking conversation about equity in America. 

Admission to the Villabolos and other ARTSwego events is free for SUNY Oswego students; $15 for staff, faculty and alumni; $20 for the general public; and $5 for non-Oswego students. Tickets are available at the Marano Campus Center box office or online at tickets.oswego.edu. 

-- Written by Emma Kerl of the Class of 2026