Juan Ortiz Performs on NBC's Today Show

Dr. Dan Rodriguez, Director of PAC’s Office of Student Life, presents Kathie Lee Gifford a Mariachi Palomino t-shirt in recognition of Mariachi Instructor Juan Ortiz’s performance with “Campanas De America” this morning on NBC’s Today Show. (Photo illustration by Valentin Tristan Jr.)

PAC’s Mariachi Instructor, Juan Ortiz, Performs on NBC’s Today Show

Juan Ortiz, Instructor of Music at Palo Alto College, led the world renowned “Campanas De America” through several rousing musical performances during NBC’s Today Show appearance at the Arneson River Theatre this morning.

The Riverwalk theatre, located adjacent to La Villita, was filled to capacity as Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb wore cowboy boots and hats to welcome fans, some who had arrived since 1 a.m., to a three-hour televised celebration of Hispanic and south Texas culture.

Lee Ann Womack also provided musical entertainment during the show, which also featured taped segments of Gifford and Kotb working on a ranch, taking a tour of the Riverwalk and riding a mechanical bull. Live segments included a Texas BBQ cooking segment, a “Taste of Texas” food sampling, and a feature on animals closely identified with Texas.

The “Today Show Takes a Vacation” road show started Monday in Lake George, New York, followed by stops in Key West, Fl., San Antonio and Las Vegas.