REFLECTS ON SUCCESS

MARIELA ESQUIVEL_RODRIGUEZ mesquivel-rodriguez@idahopress.com

Editor’s note: some quotes in this story have been translated from Spanish

CALDWELL — After receiving recognition from the city of Caldwell for a prestigious Mexican national award last month, a local band’s lead singer reflected on the community that raised him and his goal of continuing his dream of putting his hometown of Caldwell “on the map.”

Founder, CEO, and lead vocalist, Mario Calderón, 20, said his younger self never imagined he would get as far as he has now in the music industry.

“My younger self always pushed himself, always sacrificed, always did whatever he could to make things happen — and now that I’m actually making things happen, I know my younger self would be proud,” Calderón said.

Calderón founded the trio band, Nueva Generación 2000, in 2019, when he was just a freshman in high school. According to the band’s biography, they have traveled nationally and internationally to perform, and although they primarily play covers, the band has also released over five original songs written by Calderón with hopes to release more soon, he told the Idaho Press.

DREAMS COME TRUE

At a gala ceremony in Las Vegas on Oct. 13, Calderón received the “Micrófono de Oro” (Golden Microphone) award for his band by the Asociación Nacional de Locutores de México (National Association of Broadcasters of Mexico).

According to a press release, the Micrófono de Oro is the 75-year-old association’s highest award given to broadcasters, musicians, singers, journalists, and other related creative professions.

Yanalté Galván Kent, event producer and President of Lo Máximo Agency, told the Idaho Press the event is held multiple times nationally throughout big cities in Mexico every year. She said she convinced the association’s president, Rosalía Buaún, in April to host an event in the U.S. this year to highlight Mexican artists in the country.

Galván Kent said she nominated awardees who ranged from top successful artists to developing artists who are filled with determination to be successful in the industry.

“I nominated the young man (Calderón) because he has fought hard,” Galván Kent said. “He is very young and is very eager, and I love that — I’m fascinated by his desire to succeed and move forward.”

Nueva Generación 2000, which is composed of two guitars and a bass, was given the trophy for their successful musical career within the sierreño genre.

Sierreño is a sub-genre of Mexican regional music that originates from the northern Mexican state of Sinaloa and combines traditional Mexican music with modern influences.

Calderón said he felt excited when he walked down the red carpet but thought he only attended the event as a spectator to learn what to do if he ever won an award one day, unaware he would win one that night along with other successful artists.

He recalled being shocked and emotional when his picture appeared on the screen.

“It’s mainly because I’ve accomplished so much in such a short time,” Calderón said. “It was like a dream come true.”

The city of Caldwell publicly acknowledged the band through a post on Facebook to congratulate them on their success and stated it is a “source of pride for Caldwell.”

“Their success on stages across the nation and abroad showcases the remarkable talent that comes from right here in Caldwell,” the city said. “The City of Caldwell is proud to celebrate Nueva Generación 2000 and Mario Calderón for their outstanding achievements and positive impact on our community.”

Calderón said receiving the recognition as a young Mexican band meant everything to him.

“Man, it was really exciting and really emotional because you wouldn’t think a city would actually pay attention to the work that groupaciones (groups) do,” Calderón said. “It was another feeling knowing the community has your back.”

FROM CALDWELL SCHOOLS TO INTERNATIONAL STAGE

Calderón recalled his love for music stemmed when he was just 5 years old, when he enjoyed listening to classic and romantic Mexican music and artists such as Los Bukis and Vicente Fernandez. It was around this age when he would participate in singing competitions at the old Karcher Mall in Nampa.

After his continued interest in music, Calderón’s parents bought him his first guitar.

He took it upon himself to ask his music teacher, Mr. Stucki, who at the time was at Lewis and Clark Elementary, for extra music lessons. He said the long-time music teacher, now at Jefferson Middle School, helped him enjoy music at another level and taught him how to play a variety of instruments.

“He would always teach me new things, and he always learned Spanish songs,” Calderón said.

After he took a guitar class freshman year at Caldwell High School, Calderón told his mom about his “vision in music” and desire to start a band. He began to sing solo at restaurants until he eventually connected with another young rising musician and began to form a band.

The choice for their band name, Nueva Generación (New Generation) 2000, came after Calderón realized his band would become the new generation of musicians following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We just put 2000 flat because it was like the new generation that was coming out after COVID,” Calderón said. Throughout high school, Calderón said he struggled with the balance of schoolwork and his music career. He said although his mom and teachers understood his career visions, they encouraged him to prioritize his education.

He graduated in 2023 and joined the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at the College of Southern Idaho for one year, with future plans to return and get an associate degree. Calderón’s entire family decided to dedicate their time to support making his dreams become a reality.

His mother, Janet Calderón, became the band’s manager, and works behind the scenes to book concerts, interviews, and more. His father, Jorge, became the band’s sound technician, and his three younger sisters Xitlaly — who works as her mother’s assistant — and Xochilt and Xareny, create merchandise.

Janet told the Idaho Press it has been her pride and joy to see the success her son has had over a short period of time.

“Working alongside with my son, is an honor,” Janet said. “Watching him grow, achieve and succeed reminds me that every effort and sacrifice has been worth it.”

The band’s biography stated they have shared stages with well-known Mexican artists, where they reached audiences not just in Idaho, but also California, Oregon, Nevada, Minnesota, and several states in Mexico. Their success has earned them multiple awards and recognitions, and appearances on television programs like “Mañana Latina.”

It also stated that the group has performed at high-profile events locally, like at the Idaho State Capitol, conferences, and colleges and universities.

The band hasn’t had the same musicians since its creation because it is comprised of young artists who have different life goals. Mario said he has performed with different group members who are looking to grow their musical skills.

“I’m really thankful with this crew and I’ve always been thankful with all the crews I’ve had,” he said.

Mario said he hopes to expand his performances to the east coast and give back to the local community either with a public event or a dedicated song.

He said although he hopes to grow as a global artist, he wants to show the city of Caldwell he is not leaving them behind.

“This is the community that has helped me grow as a musician and as a person, and I’m really thankful for everybody that supports me in this community,” Mario said.