Hanna and Ashley Perez, a rising sister-singing duo, have spent most of their young lives living in Mexico. But deep down runs some Louisiana Cajun and country in their roots.
They were born to a Mexican father and an American mother in St. Charles, Louisiana, situated between New Orleans and Houston, where music and culture are as sturdy as the oak trees along the Calcasieu River.
As kids, they began singing in church, at festivals and for family and friends. They heard gospel, zydeco, Cajun, country and Mexican rancheras. And they began to incorporate the different styles and genres in their music. As they entered their teen years, Hanna and Ashley moved to Mexico to develop their music, but continued visiting their Louisiana family.
Now, established stars in Latin America, the sisters, known as Ha*Ash, split their time between Mexico City and Los Angeles.
“We enjoy both cultures, proud of both countries,” said Hanna, 32. “We love the calor of the culture.”
Ha*Ash will bring their bicultural heat to the Rialto Theatre, Saturday, April 14, for their debut Tucson engagement on the sisters’ 50-city world tour Cien Años Contigo (100 Years With You). Many of their shows in Mexico and Latin America have sold out.
Hanna jokingly said she and her younger sister take a lot of vitamins. But seriously, she added, they are sustained by their fans’ reception.
“What gives us the force are our fans … our music gives us the motivation,” she said.
Ha*Ash’s most recent album, released in December, is “30 de Febrero,” a mix of urban electropop, pop Latino and ballads, with hints of country.
If You Go
Who: Ha*Ash
Where: Rialto Theatre, 318 East Congress St.
When: Saturday, April 14, show at 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $45-$50, 520-740-1000
