Alma Musicians

Lira’s powerful singing and socially relevant lyrics were at the heart of El Teatro Campesino and established his role as the preeminent musical voice of the early Chicano Movement. After leaving Campesino in 1969, Agustin resumed his work in music and theater forming several theater groups notably El Teatro de la Tierra which performed throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles metropolitan area to critical acclaim. Lira also taught drama, music, and creative writing at universities, schools, and community organizations throughout California. With musical group Alma (formed in 1979 by Lira and Patricia Wells Solorzano), he has performed at national and international festivals in the United States, Mexico and Cuba.

Agustín Lira is recognized as an NEA National Heritage Fellow, 2007.

Lira has produced music for films and recordings. His music appeared in the film documentaries: Students of Change: Los del ’68, (2010), by Martha Sanchez and Mario Zavaleta, KCTS 9 Television; “Viva La Causa!” (2008) by Bill Brummel and Alonso F. Maya (short listed for an Oscar). Lira was highlighted prominently on the Smithsonian Folkways retrospective Rolas de Aztlan: Songs of the Chicano Movement (2006). Previous recognition of Lira’s work includes Horizon Award (2010) by the Fresno Arts Council; Hispanic American Portraits of Success Award 2008, from KSEE Channel 24; the California Latino Legislative Caucus Award, 2007; Local Hero Award, 2006 from Valley Public Television, Channel 18 and Union Bank.

“Their use of music, theater and photographs is masterful. Lira and Wells could have taken roles in their play, Ricardo Magon, but their places as musicians, singers, narrators was perfect.” — Juan L. Esparza, VIDA EN EL VALLE, 201

Agustin Lira – Resume
Performing Ensembles – Founder and Director
Teatro Inmigrante with Patricia Wells in Fresno, CA (2001)
Musical Group Alma with Patricia Wells and Ravi Knypstra in Fresno, CA (1979)
El Teatro de la Tierra in East Los Angeles, CA (1971)
El Teatro Venceremos in Redwood City, CA(1970)
El Teatro Rebelde in Visalia, CA (1969)
El Teatro Campesino with Luis Valdez in Delano, CA (1965). Acted, directed, wrote original
songs and plays, and performed nationwide.
Recent Original Theatrical Plays and Scores
* “Covid 19, A Play,” written by Lira and Wells, to be premiered at Radio Bilingue in
April, 2020
* “Who is Responsible? The Immigrant Crisis at the Southern Border”, written by Lira,
produced by Wells, performed by Teatro Inmigrante, Sal Mosqueda Center, 2019
Ø “The Conscience of a Bully,” written and directed by Lira and Wells, and performed by
Teatro Inmigrante at EOC Sanctuary Stage Theater, Fresno, 2014. This work involved a
yearlong training of children, teenagers, and adults in theater.
Ø “The Weight of Things: Four Vignettes and a Song on Obesity,” a play with music,
written by Lira, produced by Wells, performed by Teatro Inmigrante at EOC Sanctuary
Theater and the Unitarian Universalist Church, Fresno, 2014.
Ø “Regeneration: Ricardo Magon and the Mexican Revolution of 1910,” a play with music,
written by Lira and directed by Lira and Wells, performed at venues throughout Fresno
by Teatro Inmigrante, 2010.
Ø “Esperanza and Luz: A Tale of Two Immigrant Women,” a play written and directed by
Lira, and Wells, performed by Teatro Inmigrante at venues throughout Fresno, 2009.
Ø “Emma Tenayuca: A Yellow Rose From Texas,” a play written by Lira, and directed by
Lira and Wells, performed in venues throughout Fresno by Teatro Inmigrante, 2007.
Ø “Candelaria Arroyo: The Music of Life,” a play with music, written by Lira and directed by
Wells and Lira, performed by Teatro Inmigrante, Tamejavi Festival, Tower Theater,
Fresno, 2004.
Ø “Cruz: Miracle at Giffen Labor Camp,” a play with music, written and directed by Lira,
produced by Wells, performed by Teatro Inmigrante at Tamejavi Festival, Tower Theater,
Fresno, 2003.
Ø “Esperanza and Luz: A Story of Two Immigrant Women,” a play written and directed by
Lira and Wells, performed at the Tamejavi Festival by Teatro Inmigrante, Tower Theater,
Fresno, 2001.
Other Productions
Ø Adapted the two plays, “Honest Sancha’s Used Mexican Lot” and “The Two Faces of the
Boss”; performed by Teatro Inmigrante at Arte Americas and at the Unitarian
Universalist Church, Fresno, 2008.
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Ø Adapted and scored music for epic poem, “I Am Joaquin,” by Rodolfo Corky Gonzales;
performed by Teatro Inmigrante at the Fresno Art Museum, University of California San
Diego and Galeria la Posada, Sacramento, 2005.
Ø Wrote and Co-produced the play “Johnny’s Dream” with Patricia Wells, 1985-86.
Recordings and Film

• KPFA radio station airs special about Lira and Wells play, “Who is Responsible? The
Immigrant Crisis at the Southern Border.” 2019
• Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, “Songs of Struggle and Hope,” Lira’s original songs,
2015
• Recorded in “Songs of Social Justice: Live performances from Edwards Auditorium,”
Rhode Island University, 2008
Ø Recorded on the film, “Students of Change: Los Del ’68”, by Martha Sanchez and Mario
Zavaleta and KCTS 9, 2010.
Ø Recorded on the film, “Viva la Causa!” by Bill Brummel and Alonso F. Mayo, a Southern
Poverty Law Center Teaching Tolerance Film (nominated for an Oscar), 2008.
Ø Recorded in the CD compilation,“Rolas de Aztlan: Songs of the Chicano Movement,”
Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, curated by Steve Azcona & Russell Rodriguez, 2005.
Ø Recorded on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, “The Best of Broadside: Anthems of the
American Underground (1962-88),” 2001.
Ø Recorded on the film “So Why Is This So Important?” by Ana Garcia featured at the Los
Angeles International Shorts Film Festival, 2001.
Ø Recorded on the film “Making History: An Introduction to S.E.I.O.U. & the Labor
Movement,” by Lucia Duncan, 2001.
Ø Recorded album “I Have Been Here Forever,” Full length CD, a Lira/Wells Production,
1999.
Ø Radio program featuring Alma’s music won a Golden Mike Award from Radio Television
News Association, airing on Latino U.S.A. & National Public Radio, 1998.
Ø Scored music for film, “The Fight in the Fields: Cesar Chavez and the Farmworkers’
Struggle,” by PBS & Paradigm Productions, 1996.
Ø Appeared in film series “Chicano! History of the Mexican American Civil Rights Struggle,”
1996.
Ø Recorded on Columbia/Folkways album titled “We Shall Overcome,” 1991.
Ø Recorded album “Songs of Love and Struggle,” a Lira/Wells Production, 1991.
Ø Recorded on Latin American New Song Festival CD, 1991.
Ø Recorded album “Agustin Lira: From the Fields to a New Beginning,” Ambiente Records,
1983.
Ø Wrote music for film, “Heritage in Bronze,” 1969.
Ø Recorded the album, “Viva la Causa! Songs and Sounds of the Delano Grape Strike,”
Thunderbird Records, 1966.
Ø Recorded the album “The Time Will Come,” Broadside Records, 1966.
Invited Performances (Selected),
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• “Reuniting for Peace and Justice: 50 Years of Resistance,” Unitarian Universalist
Church, music presentation by Lira and Wells, 2019
• “La Muerte Viene Hechando Rasero,” Day of the Dead community celebration with
music, dancers and guests; Lira and Wells, Grupo Generaciones, Merlinda Espinosa,
Sal Mosqueda Center, 2018
• The Kodaly Center for Music Education, music presentation by Lira and Wells, San
Francisco, 2018
• Migrant Education Symposium Merced—musical presentation by Lira and Wells,
Merced, 2018
• Smithsonian American Folklife Festival—Ralph Rinzler Concert—with musical
group Alma, Washington, D.C., 2015
• Chowchilla Valley State Prison inmate music and theater performances directed by
Lira and Wells, 2015
Ø University of Trinity and the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, with Musical Group
Alma, San Antonio, Texas, 2014.
Ø Library of Congress American Folklife Center, Homegrown Music Series, with Musical
Group Alma, Washington, D.C., 2011.
Ø Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage, “Songs of My Home: Chicano Music From
California,” with musical group Alma, Washington, D.C., 2011.
Ø San Jose State University, “Cesar Chavez: His Life and Times,” with musical group Alma,
2009.
Ø National Heritage Fellows Concert, at the Music Center at Strathmore, with musical
group Alma, Bethesda, Maryland, 2007.
Ø University of Rhode Island, with Patricia Wells Solorzano, 2006.
Ø Arte Americas, Chicano Music Festival, with musical group Alma, Fresno, California
2006.
Ø Oceanside Public Library and statewide California tour “Cesar Chavez: His Life and
Times,” with musical group Alma, 2004.
Ø Encuentro del Canto Popular Festival, with musical group Alma, San Francisco, 1988-
1991.
Ø Menlo College, Cesar Chavez Celebration, with musical group Alma, 2003.
Ø Chicano Park Celebration, with musical group Alma, San Diego, 2001.
Ø Labor Heritage Festival, Dublin, CA, 2001.
Ø On tour throughout the southwestern states including Texas, with musical group Alma,
2001.
Ø On tour throughout the Southwestern states with the musical program “Chicano! Five
Hundred Years of Struggle,” 1996-97.
Ø USA-Cuba Friendship Concert in Havana, Cuba, with musical group Alma, sponsored by
Freedom to Travel, 1995.
Ø “Chicano Heritage” music in the schools program throughout Fresno Unified School
District, sponsored by Fresno Metropolitan Projects Authority Grant, 1995-6.
Ø 2nd Chicano Music Festival, Denver, Colorado, 1994.
Ø “Chicano Heritage” music in the schools program throughout California Suisun-Fairfield
and Vacaville schools, and statewide musical presentations with Alma 1991–93.
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Ø Smithsonian Festival of American Folklife, Washington, D.C., Smithsonian Institution,
1987.
Ø 17th Cervantino International Arts Festival, Guanajuato, Mexico, 1987.
Ø Performed at Primer Festival Internacional de la Raza on Mexico/USA border, 1983.
Ø Statewide performances with musical group Teatro de la Tierra, 1978-1984.
Ø Toured theatrical/musical program “Pieces” with Teatro de la Tierra throughout
Southern CA and Washington states, 1972-74.
Ø Toured musical/theatrical programs throughout California, 1969-71; 1975-76.
Ø Newport Folk Festival, Newport, Rhode Island, 1965.
Ø Senate Subcommittee on Agricultural Labor at the U.S. Senate Courtyard, Washington,
D.C., 1965.
Teaching
Ø Teaching free classes in music and theater through collaborations with community
organizations from 1965 to the present.
Ø Taught music and theater to inmates producing half hour of music and half hour of
original inmate poetry including a performance at Valley State Prison, Chowchilla 2015.
Ø Taught theater at Cedar Lane School, Marysville, CA, for Migrant Education, 1985-86.
Ø Taught theater and creative writing at Fresno City College, 1978-82.
Ø Taught music theory and its practical application to teatro members and to the
community at large (1978-89).
Ø Taught theater at University of Southern California, 1975-76.
Ø Supervised workshops in drama and art for gang youth from East Los Angeles, 1975-76.
Ø Taught theater and music appreciation at Colegio de la Tierra, Del Rey, CA, 1972-74.
Ø Taught theater at Venceremos College, Redwood City, 1969-71.
Competitive Grants and Commissions (Selected)
The California Endowment, Building Healthy Communities, 2015
Ø Alliance for California Traditional Arts Living Cultures Grants, 2009-2014.
Ø Community Leadership Program Grants of the Hewlett, Irvine and Packard Foundations
2009-2015.
Ø The California Endowment Building Healthy Communities, 2013-15.
Ø Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program, 2013.
Ø California Arts Council Creating Public Value Program, 2002-2010.
Ø California Arts Council Touring Roster grants, 1992-94; 1999-2003.
Ø California Arts Council Artist in Residence grants, 1985-86; 1989-1990; 1990-1992; 1993-
95; 1998-2001.
Ø Villa Montalvo Artist in Residence Program, 2008.
Ø University of Rhode Island Peace and Justice Center, 2007.
Ø Fresno Arts Council—Community Enrichment Grants, 1994-2003.
Ø Pan Valley Institute of the American Friends Service Committee, 2002-2003.
Ø James Irvine Foundation—Civic and Cultural Grants, 2000.
Ø Meet the Composer, 1999.
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Awards and Recognitions
Ø United States Artists Fellowship Nomination, 2015.
Ø Horizon Award, Fresno County’s highest artist award by the Fresno Arts Council,
presented to Lira and Patricia Wells, 2010.
Ø Hispanic American Portraits of Success Award from KSEE Fresno Channel 24, 2008.
Ø National Heritage Fellowship Award, National Endowment for the Arts, 2007.
Ø California Latino Legislative Caucus Award, 2007.
Ø Organizational Way of Peace Award, Fresno Center for Nonviolence, 2007.
Ø Fresno Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies Award for “career contributions in
music and theater,” 2006.
Ø The Local Hero Award by Valley Public Television, Channel 18 and Union Bank in Fresno,
California, 2006.
Ø Radio Bilingue Award, the national Spanish public radio network, ‘for contributions to
the community,” 2006.
Ø Compadre Award, 15th Annual Latino Social Workers’ Network Conference, 2004.
Ø Outstanding Latino Leadership Award by California Assembly Member Sarah Reyes, 2003.
Ø Latino Legends of the 20th Century Award by Coalition for Rural Pueblos, 2003.
Ø Lifetime Achievement Award at 3rd Radio Aztlan Music Festival by KUCR 88.3 FM, at
University of California Riverside, 1998.
Ø ALMA Award, ABC, National Council for La Raza, 1998.
Ø Latin American New Song Festival Award, 1991.
Ø Teatro Campesino’s Feathered Serpent Award, 1985-86.
Ø New York Off-Broadway Award, 1967-68.
Ø Los Angeles Critics Circle Award, 1969.

In 1976 she moved to Mexico City to study Mexican and World History at the Universidad Autonoma de Mexico returning to Fresno 2 years later. She began an intensive study of singing and lead guitar gaining control of both disciplines within 6 months. She cofounded musical group Alma in 1979 becoming the manager, touring nationally and internationally at festivals such as the Smithsonian Institute’s American Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C.; the Cervantino International Arts Festival, Mexico; the U.S.-Cuba Friendship Concert in Havana Cuba and so on.Patricia has recorded music for various labels and for film: Rolas de Aztlan: Songs of the Chicano Movement, Smithsonian-Folkways; The Fight in the Fields: Cesar Chavez and the Farmworker’s Struggle, PBS/Paradigm film. For more than 30 years she has taught music to all age groups in her community, California schools, correctional institutions. She produced concerts of Latin American Folklore and Nuevo Canto at local venues from 1993 to 2003, as well as recitals by her student chorus throughout the community. In defense of immigrants, Wells cofounded Teatro Inmigrante (Immigrant Theater) in 2001 creating, codirecting and producing new plays such as:

• Regeneración: Ricardo Flores Magón and the Mexican Revolution of 1910, (2010);
• The Life and Times of Candelaria Arroyo (2004);
• Esperanza and Luz: A Tale of Two Immigrant Women (2001); and others.

Patricia Wells

In the Spring of 2010 Patricia received her Bachelor of Arts degree at Goddard College in Vermont. She is the recipient of many awards among them the most recent are the Horizon Artist Award (2010) from the Fresno Arts Council and the Non-Violence and Peace Studies Award from University of Rhode Island. She is one of 72 women chosen to appear in Victoria Alvarado’s book, Mujeres de Consciencia/Women of Conscience (Floricanto Press, 2009), “A tribute to Latinas who have made a definite and long standing contribution to the Hispanic community and country at large.”

Ravi played in blues, country and rock & roll bands for the first couple of years he spent as a bass player, playing all over the San Joaquin valley while attending college. After spending three-plus years pursuing an engineering degree at Fresno State, Ravi dropped out, moved home to Los Angeles and attended the Musician’s Institute in 1992-93, leaving the school with honors from their BIT program. Even though the school did and still does have a reputation as a “rock” school, Ravi spent all his time at the school in the care of tremendous players and teachers, who could answer any musical question arose, in any style, and it was there that he began to learn about the role the bass carries in that great traditional American art form known as Jazz. He didn’t realize it at the time, but as far as the bass goes, Ravi was already hooked.After school Ravi toured the coast of California extensively with Agustin Lira and Patricia Wells-Solorzano’s group “Alma.” Ravi also toured extensively in Europe, playing roots and country music, and toured across the United States from coast to coast as well. Since then he has played literally thousands of shows, primarily in California but also in Japan, India, Thailand, Cuba, and across the United States. Ravi’s musical tastes run the gamut, including folk music, Mexican, Cuban, Brazilian, funk, soul, R & B, blues, rare groove, fusion, pop, songwriter stuff, and of course, all forms shapes and sizes of jazz ensembles, from two- to 20-piece bands.

Around 2000, Ravi started to become interested in recording music, and since then he has engineered and produced several full length CDs. He remains active a live performer and stufio bass player in all styles, playing upright and electric bass, as a tracking/mixing studio engineer for ensembles from two-piece to twenty-piece, and a live performance mix engineer as well. He is also faculty at Musician’s Institute in Hollywood where he teaches the incoming bass students music reading.

Ravi has appeared on television shows for MTV, Showtime, Bravo and on the Jimmy Kimmel Live Show and The Carson Daly Show. His playing has been in movies for HBO and the Sundance Film Festival. His true love is jazz, and he has played or recorded with jazz artists such as Plas Johnson, Sam and Abe Most, Kim Richmond, Joey Heredia, Paul Kreibich, Jake Hanna, Steve Pemberton, Dale Fielder, Dave Pell, Pete Christlieb, Gary Herbig and Bob Summers and dozens of others.