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Trio Ellas is an all-female Latin-American mariachi group formed in 2006 and based in Los Angeles, California by Stephanie Amaro de Abad, Nelly Cortez and Suemy Gonzalez. The group mixes traditional mariachi music and other rhythms to create a contemporary fresh style. The trio works with traditional mariachi, classic romantic trio, jazz, country and more to create its own contemporary twist. This group is one of the few all female mariachi groups in a genre of music that has historically been male dominated. Trio Ellas also mixes the style of wardrobe by dressing in traditional mariachi pants and wearing stiletto high heels while adding their own modern fashion style. “Trio Ellas gives a modern, sexy, virtuoso twist to traditional latin music.” The trio is often referred to as the "Dixie Chicks of Latin Music"





Personal Life and Career
Trio Ellas’ career began by performing “out of necessity” at a restaurant in Pasadena. These performances allowed them to collect tips by performing on a weekly basis and ultimately build a reputation that led them to performing nationally and internationally. In May 2012 Trio Ellas released their debut album "Con Ustedes...Trio Ellas" which contains covers of popular songs, such as “Besame Mucho”, “Ojala Que Llueva Cafe” and “Odiame”. These songs, while they are covers, are infused with Trio Ellas style which create a unique and new sound. In the same year, Trio Ellas traveled to Japan, Orlando, Florida, and North Carolina. Trio Ellas completed a tour of Okinawa for USO in Japan. The group also performed at the annual League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) conventions in Orlando, Florida and San Antonio, Texas.( In North Carolina, Trio Ellas also took the stage at the Latinos Unidos event at Democratic National Convention (DNC). In the summer of 2012, Trio Ellas also participated in a two week run at the Hollywood Bowl's "Summer Sounds " children's program. The uprising group also performed at the San Jose Latin Music Festival in 2012. The first album of the group was nominated for a Latin Grammy under the category of Best Ranchero Album in September 2012. This nomination was not only significant because it was their first nomination, but they were nominated with well established artists such as Pedro Fernandez and Pepe Aguilar.

Bio
The all female trio is completed by Stephanie Amaro de Abad, a mother and versatile musician, on guitar and vocals. Nelly Cortez, a fourth generation mariachi musician, mother and recreational pilot, on guitarron and vocals. Suemy Gonzalez, a graduate from USC's prestigious Thornton School of Music, on violin and vocals. Two of the members, Stephanie Amaro de Abad and Suemy Gonzalez met while performing in other all male, except for them, mariachi ensembles. Stephanie was a part of a group called “Alma De Mi Tierra”, which Suemy was a part of as well. Each of the members got started with Mariachi music in a different way. Nelly Cortez, being a fourth generation mariachi musician, grew up listening to Mariachi music and seeing family members, male family members, participate in it. Suemy Gonzalez started playing violin at age 5, and began to play mariachi music at age 12. Her mother was the reason she got into this genre of music. Suemy’s mother wanted her to get in touch with her Mexian roots, and therefore introduced her to this genre. After attending a music festival in San Jose, California, she fell in love with the genre and began to perform it in local groups in Sacramento, California. Stephanie Amaro de Abad started much later than her fellow members, in her late adolescence at age 19. After seeing Trio Sol de Mexico, which she enjoyed, Stephanie started performing mariachi. Her father was a musician, but Mariachi music was not commonly heard in the home. By performing this genre, Stephanie felt as if she was rebelling by going back to traditional music.

Influences
This trio which performs mariachi music, ironically, does not necessarily identify with the term Mariachi. They do not identify with this term because they are very modern in the sense that they do not wear the typical Mariachi outfits. These ladies wear Mariachi pants, instead of skirts, and wear stilettos. They also do not limit their songs to Spanish only, they perform in English as well. Their performances do not follow any traditional structure, which allows them to be more intimate and fun for the audience. All three members appreciate the fact that they are a trio as opposed to being a large Mariachi group. They enjoy other trio groups such as Los Tres Ases, Los Dandies, and Los Panchos, which influence their music today. The trio has also lent their skills to recording artists such as Cristian Castro, Lady Gaga (“Americano”), Benjamin Gibbard, Mariachi El Bronx the alter ego of The Bronx (Band) and many more. Trio Ellas have performed live at a variety of events. They performed “Something’s Rattling” a song recorded with Benjamin Gibbard live on the Conan O'Brian show.

Personal Background

 * Suemy Gonzalez on violin and vocals is the first Latina to graduate from USC's prestigious Thornton School of Music. Suemy graduated on May 17th 2013 earning a degree with honors. Suemy was born 13 October 1982 in Sacramento, California, USA and currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
 * Nelly Cortez on guitarron and vocals is a recreational pilot from El Monte, California and resides in Ontario, California.
 * Stephanie Amaro de Abad on guitar and vocals is a versatile musician from Whittier, California who currently lives in Altadena, California.

Discography

 * 2012 Con Ustedes...Trio Ellas