A unique concert featuring Othello native opera and bolero tenor José Iñiguez, is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 29 at Lions Park in Othello.

Iñiguez, who collaborates with classical and mariachi musicians will be performing with Mariachi Las Aguilas de EWU, the Ballard Civic Orchestra and Bailadores de Bronce, Seattle.

Iñiguez grew up in Mattawa and it was there he developed a passion for classical opera and traditional Mexican mariachi bolero. By blending the two styles together, Iñiguez and the artists he preforms with will take you on a mystical journey that combines the uncanny beauty of opera and classical piano with the charm of mariachi bolero. 

“The goal of my music Program Encanto is to merge cultures together,” Iñiguez said. “I want to show how much we have in common and to show that music from a symphony can be enjoyed by all races and backgrounds.”

Iñiguez started singing at the age of 12, performing at family events. He entered his first vocal contest as a senior in high school. It was then he discovered his inner drive to perform. Iñiguez studied with Sydney Knesselroad at Central Washington University, and is currently under his mentor and retired opera performer Jerry Hasley. Iñiguez has been nominated for the Governors Individual Heritage award for 2015, and is an award-winning 2016 Latin Music artist by Univision for his music program Encanto. 

Proceeds from the concert will go to the Iniguez Family Endowed Scholarship Fund. His concerts to date have raised more than $150,000.

Tickets are $25 per person. Children and youth younger than 17 years of age are admitted free, but must be accompanied by an adult. “We have sold over 1,000 tickets, and with kids attending as well, we are expecting 2,000 people to be here.”

The concert is sponsored by WAFLA, a company that works with employers and farm labor, and is to celebrate farmworkers. It’s also to honor Jon Warling, Othello, one of the organization’s founders, who is retiring.

“We’re promoting this to celebrate the agriculture workforce,” said Kim Bresler, the organization’s public information manager.

Iñiguez long-term goal is to become a classical opera performer. He has recently released an album, which can be found on his website at http//www.joseiniguez.com.