In a musical genre dominated by men, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles has been breaking stereotypes and shaping new cultural traditions since 1994

The 12-member all-female group brings sensitivity, beauty and warmth to Mexico’s musical heritage and has earned a reputation in the industry as a pioneer.

Back by popular demand after thrilling sold-out performances the last four years, Mariachi Reyna will return to CSU Monterey Bay’s World Theater for performances on April 29 and 30. Both shows will start at 7:30 p.m.

Now there are other all-female mariachi groups, proving that when maestro Jose Hernandez created Reyna de Los Angeles, it wasn’t a novelty – it was a genre. Reyna has expanded the role of women in mariachi from singers to a full complement of musical performers. In a musical landscape where songs are often written by men and about male perspectives, Reyna has created its own history.

“I knew there were enough excellent female musicians to do it, and I didn’t want guys to say, ‘They play like girls,’ ” Hernandez said. “Now guys from other groups come up to me and tell me that they can’t get over how these women sound so amazing. It’s because they sound like angels, and that’s why they are named after the city of Los Angeles.”

Under Hernandez, the group has released four albums: Solo Tuya (Yours Only); El Mejor Mariachi Femenino del Mundo (The Best Female Mariachi in the World); Companeras, which was nominated for Grammy and Latin Grammy awards in 2009; and Entre Mariachi y Corazon.

The group will be on stage at the World Theater in time for Cinco de Mayo.

Tickets prices: $40 Gold Circle; $29 general admission; with discounts available for senior citizens, students, military and children. They can be purchased by calling the World Theater box office at (831) 582-4580 or online.

The World Theater is located on Sixth Avenue between A and B streets on the CSUMB campus.

The community is invited to a free master class with the group at 2 p.m., April 30 in the Music Hall, on Sixth Avenue and Butler Street.