Hear the beautiful melodies, enchanting rhythms and romantic lyrics of authentic Mexican Bolero music on Friday, February 8, 2013, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., as three popular music groups give a live concert at the Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula. Admission to the concert is $10 for the general public and $5 for museum members. Refreshments and a no-host bar will be available. Doors open at 7:00 and seating is first come, first seated. Admission includes entry to all Agriculture Museum exhibits.

The groups on tap have honed their singing and playing skills for decades. Jerry Lugo and his “Trio Los Unicos” have been together for more than a decade, as have Michael Leal and Albert Rodriguez of “Dueto Los Amigos.” Lencho Moraza and Xavier Montes of “Dueto Santa Paula” have played together since 1976. Moraza also sings the main vocals for “La Familia Moraza” and Xavier Montes is a harpist who plays throughout California.

Bolero music has its roots in 19th century Cuba and became popular in Mexico in the 1940s and 1950s when songs like “Sabor A Mi,” “Cerca del Mar,” and “El Reloj” were made famous by groups like “Trio Los Panchos,” “Los Dandys” and “Los Aces.” Bolero music is not widely performed today and it is a rare treat to hear musicians who specialize in it. The music requires great skill to perform. Musicians, usually in trios or duos, play melodic scales and unique rhythms on stringed instruments as they sing close harmonies. Sometimes, because of the Cuban influence, congas, bongos and maracas are added to the mix. All three groups performing on February 8th will present traditional ballads, and these songs of love, desire, courtship and heartbreak will make for a romantic evening.

The Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, California, in their historic downtown, near the Depot and next to the railroad tracks. Hours are 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $4 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children 6-17, free for Museum of Ventura County members, and for children ages 5 and younger. Paid events include free admission to the galleries, and the first Sundays of every month are free general admission for the public. For more information, go to www.venturamuseum.org or call (805) 525-3100.