Mariachi music is something Bakersfield College student Laurel Higuera has in her blood.

“This is something I enjoy doing because it comes from the heart,” said Higuera, 22, who began singing publicly three years ago.

She finished a show in front of a crowd of about 600 people Friday at the 10th annual Mariachi Night Festival at the BC Outdoor Theater to help benefit the Chicano Scholarship Program and other services.

Higuera performed the classic mariachi hit “Amor Enterno” accompanied by both Mariachi San Marcos and Mariachi Alma De Mexico to close out the show.

Student Abel Nu§ez-Guerrero also sang “Las Llaves De Mi Alma.”

“This was our best one yet because of the turnout and crowd involvement,” said Jo Ann Acosta, event coordinator.

Audience members both young and old of all races arrived either by car or bus to enjoy a night of traditional Mexican food and music.

“I love coming out and supporting Mexican music,” said Lupe Jacquez, 64.

“This is just what I expected,” said Arthur Garcia, another attendee of the show. “The music and bands were great.”

The audience saw performances by Mariachi Mestizo, Mariachi San Marcos and headliners Mariachi Alma De Mexico.

Mariachi San Marcos was later accompanied by local singer David Ojeda, 43, who sang seven songs, including “Viva Mexico.”

He has performed with numerous nationally-known mariachi groups in his career.

Dancing was provided by Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli, under the direction of 20-year dance veteran Gerardo Fierro-Avila.

Even though a sound-check problem delayed the start of the show by 40 minutes, the audience yelled for an encore after the group’s performance.

The performers involved the crowd by getting them clapping.

They also talked with the audience throughout the show.

Juan Gonzalez, director of Mariachi Alma De Mexico, asked the audience to help keep Mexican music alive by supporting mariachi events.

Arely Gutierrez, 14, of Mariachi Mestizo encourages people to see Mariachi music live.

“Radio isn’t the same as hearing live because you get to feel the excitement and emotions that goes through the performers as they sing the song,” said Gutierrez.

The event and bands were introduced in both Spanish and English from Jose Gaspar of KBAK-TV and Arnulfo Rivas of Radio Campesina, 92.5 FM.