Luis Arturo Campos, Third-Generation Norteño Musician

Third-Generation Norteño Music Lives on through Los Kirrines del Norte

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Photos, L-R: Two photos of Luis Arturo Campos and Los Kirrines del Norte, performing for the Canciones del San Joaquín concert in Fresno, June 7, 2025 (Credit: Diego Ballesteros); Los Kirrines del Norte members pose outside the Fresno Memorial Auditorium, with Luis Arturo Campos second from the right (Credit: Diego Ballesteros).

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.

ACTA · Sounds of CA - Boyle Heights
“The group itself is really a formalization of something we had already been doing for years. My father and I—I’m fortunate to work with him—are both members and the lead voices of the group. With all his experience, he has been a musician since childhood. My contribution was to formalize the group so we could build a relationship outside the home, as partners, and develop new kinds of emotions."
- Luis Arturo Campos

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