Luis Arturo Campos, Third-Generation Norteño Musician
Third-Generation Norteño Music Lives on through Los Kirrines del Norte
Luis Arturo Campos is a third-generation norteño musician and the representative of Grupo Los Kirrines, based in McFarland in California’s southern San Joaquin Valley. He formed the group alongside his father, formalizing a family musical tradition that spans generations and is rooted in their origins from the state of Nayarit, Mexico.
Raised in a household where norteño music—characterized by accordion and bajo sexto—was a constant presence, Campos began singing with his father at a young age. His early exposure and deep emotional connection to the music led him to pursue it seriously in adolescence, eventually taking on instruments and committing to performance with a sense of pride and responsibility to carry forward the genre.
Los Kirrines del Norte not only performs classic norteño repertoire inspired by foundational acts like Los Alegres de Terán, Los Tremendos Gavilanes, and Los Donneños, but they also compose original works. Their latest composition, written in collaboration by Luis Arturo and his father, was created especially for the Canciones del San Joaquín concert. It reflects their family’s migration story and the experience of being welcomed by the Central Valley after years of instability. The song speaks to themes of resilience, community, and cultural continuity.
Luis Arturo views their music as a contribution to the Valley’s cultural life—revitalizing older norteño styles and offering something “authentic” for contemporary audiences. He hopes to inspire younger generations to embrace music not just as a livelihood, but with passion and respect for its cultural roots.