According to PRNewswire, Hornitos Premium Tequila has announced that Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band are the winners of the first ever national “Mariachi Mash Up” competition. Based out of Brooklyn, New York, Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band went Horns Up in their mariachi cover of “Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn and John. In addition to receiving $10,000 in cash, Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band will also be featured in the coveted “Back Beat” section of Billboard Magazine.
From April 25th through May 30th, Hornitos gave up-and-coming bands a chance at stardom with the Mariachi Mash Up competition. The national contest challenged musicians of all types and genres to create their own mariachi-inspired mash up to celebrate the official kick off to tequila season. The competition encouraged bands to submit a three minute video incorporating traditional mariachi elements into a well-known song in order to create a memorable musical mix-up.
“The Hornitos Mariachi Mash Up competition was the perfect way to kick off tequila season this year,” says Amy Weisenbach, Senior Director of Tequila, Beam Global Spirits & Wine. “We’re so impressed by the creativity of all the bands who participated in the Mash Up and their enthusiasm to go ‘Horns Up’ and embrace the spirit of tequila.”
Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band won over the judging panel with their use of Spanish lyrics, trumpets, maracas, and even sombreros in their rendition of “Young Folks.” The band recently released an EP titled “The Fancy Band,” signed with super duper records, have opened for several influential musicians, and in October played two official CMJ showcases in NYC. The band consists of Jon Sandler (lead vocals and guitar), Sam Merrick (drums), Chris Kelly (bass) and Dominic Fallacaro (piano).
“We chose Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band due to their unique take on the hit song ‘Young Folks.’ They truly embodied the essence of this competition, combining popular music with traditional mariachi musicality. The band’s incorporation of Spanish lyrics and horns brought the song to life in a fitting and festive way,” said Billboard Editor Tye Comer.
“Combining our love of music, Cinco de Mayo and Hornitos Tequila, we knew we had to be a part of this competition when we first heard about it. We couldn’t be more excited to be recognized by Hornitos and Billboard magazine,” said lead singer Jon Sandler.
