Queen of Hearts brings female-led mariachi to Canberra
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Drawing from their diverse roots across Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Australia, an all-female band is redefining traditional mariachi music – and they’re on their way to Canberra.
Since 2019, Melbourne-based Queen of Hearts has been trying to reclaim the vibrant genre of regional Mexican music, adding a female touch to a genre often associated with men wearing wide-brimmed sombreros and embroidered jackets.
Infusing mariachi with their perspectives and using it to tell their stories as women, locals will have a chance to hear it for themselves as they stop in Canberra for a special Saturday Session at Smith’s Alternative on Saturday 17 January.
Founded by musician Elizabeth Obando, the original goal of starting Queen of Hearts was to “bring women together to create music through a lens of collaboration and shared leadership”.
Originally rooted in traditional mariachi, as the band grew to include Bonnie Smith (guitar, main singer, and backing vocals), Rose Kavanagh (violin, main singer, and backing vocals), Vanessa Estrada (main vocals and percussion), and Sarah Camm (trumpet and backing vocals), the music transformed into a blend of folk, blues, and Romani influences with deep Latin American roots.
With members from Chile, Colombia, Australia, and Canada, the result is a unique twist on an old tradition.
“The turning point was realising that Queen of Hearts had become a reflection of our shared identity as artists representing Australia,” says Elizabeth.
“The multicultural nature of this country lives within us, and that diversity is embedded in every note we play.”
With two albums under their belts (2021 Memories and 2025 Divina) along with a new EP that was recently recorded at Frying Pan Studios at Hobart’s MONA, the tour marks the debut of Queen of Hearts in Canberra.
Known for their captivating live performances, flamboyant costumes, and genre-bending arrangements, attendees can expect to hear songs of love, heartbreak, and the everyday challenges of life.
“We compose straight from the heart, writing about our personal experiences,” explains Elizabeth.
“We place a strong focus on femininity within our lyrics, sharing our journey as women.”
Performing from 5 pm until 7 pm for one night only, Queen of Hearts chose Smith’s Alternative as their venue because of its reputation for supporting multicultural artists.
Previously living in Canberra, Elizabeth says she saw firsthand how Smith’s creates a space for intercultural music.
Hoping to leave the audience feeling “inspired and connected”, the show will be a journey through their history as creators, spanning songs from their upcoming EP, their second studio album Divina, and their favourite tracks from their debut album, Memories.
Returning to Canberra in February to perform at the National Multicultural Festival, their debut show at Smith’s promises to spread the joy of mariachi through a live music experience like no other.
“Our shows are an honest journey through Afro-Peruvian music, tango, Peruvian waltz, and rancheras, mixed with blues and folk,” says Elizabeth.
“It is a rich musical tapestry, and we hope everyone finds a piece of the story they can connect with.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Queen of Hearts at Smith’s Alternative
When: Saturday 17 January, 5 pm – 7 pm
Where: 76 Alinga Street, City
Tickets + more information: smithsalternative.com
Feature image supplied.
