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Making music, Mariachi style
Ford & Lincoln Mercury present world-renowed Mariachi Vargas
for 6th year in a row!
 Bringing
more than 100 years of tradition to the stage, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán
will make its annual solo appearance Saturday, November 4, 2000, McAllen
International Civic Center, McAllen, TX and in San Antonio, TX Saturday,
November 18 at the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium at 7:30 p.m., as part of the
Ford and Lincoln Mercury's 6th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza that
brings one-of-a-kind experiences to mariachi students throughout the Southern
U.S.
Saturday, November 18 at the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.,
as part of the three-day Extravaganza that brings one-of-a-kind experiences to
mariachi students throughout the Southern U.S.
In addition to the concert, the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza offers students
of all ages many unique opportunities to learn more about mariachi music. The
event includes workshops, some featuring members of Mariachi Vargas; a panel
discussion featuring internationally recognized expert on mariachi, Jon Clark of
San Diego State University; and group and vocal competitions divided in to
elementary/middle school, high school and college levels.
First place winners of mariachi group and vocal competitions will have the
honor of opening the concert for Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.
Founded under the masterful direction of maestro Gaspar Vargas in 1897,
Mariachi Vargas has been setting the standard for mariachi everywhere. Mariachi
Vargas is to mariachi what the London Symphony Orchestra is to symphony. This
fact is not lost upon the students who attend the event.
"The greatest thing about attending the Extravaganza is learning about
mariachi music from the members of Mariachi Vargas" said Gabriela Sandoval,
a student at the University of Texas-Pan American in the Rio Grande Valley.
"I am meeting my idols."
New to the Extravaganza is the Rubén Fuentes Award for the Mariachi Music
Hall of Fame. Since 1944, Fuentes has been the innovative conductor, producer,
arranger and composer for Mariachi Vargas who has created the mariachi music
style now mimicked by mariachi groups everywhere.
Mr. Jesse Orta, and, his wife Mrs. Josephina Orta, deceased, will be
recognized with the award for bringing mariachi music from the cantina
(bar) to the church, a central icon in the Hispanic culture. This award will
make the traditional mariachi mass, which will wrap-up the Extravaganza, all
that much more poignant.
"The award is one way to recognize the local pioneers of the mariachi
music industry, and to record the names and deeds of people who have helped
preserve and promote this unique tradition," said Martin McGinnis, regional
marketing manager for Ford Division.
Recognized internationally from hundreds of album recordings and over 200
Mexican film productions, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitláns' members are highly
regarded as the "MASTERS OF MARIACHI MUSIC" in the mariachi
music industry. Their masterful arrangements of traditional favorites and
original compositions distinguish this group from other mariachi groups around
the world.
"We at Ford and Lincoln Mercury are proud to support this event because
it allows students to see some of the world's greatest musicians," said
Steve Hammond, regional marketing manager for Lincoln Mercury. "It's
truly remarkable to be involved in an event that encourages the next generation
to continue a tradition that has lasted hundreds of years."
 Opening
for Mariachi Vargas is male vocalist Manuel Vargas of Tecalitlán,
Mexico. Former lead vocalist for Mariachi Vargas, Manuel Vargas has launched his
solo career. With his charismatic stage presence and enchanting vocals, Manuel
Vargas quickly won the affection of the audience at his debut solo performance
at Houston's Jones Hall.
Also opening is Sony Discos recording artist Azucena. The 18-year-old
songbird is just released her second CD, "Corazon Romantico" on
October 17, her follow-up to "La De Jalisco." Azucena, discovered by
the legendary Vicente Fernandez, has been performing on television and radio
since age 11, and carries herself on stage with a dignity and grace that is
beyond her years.
San Antonio's own Mariachi Los Caporales, directed by Roy Quintanilla,
will also perform. The acclaimed group has performed with many Tejano music
artists including Jennifer Peña, Flaco Jiménez and Rubén Ramos. The group
also provided the mariachi sounds for Mazz's 1996 album, "Mazz Mariachi y
Tradición."
The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza is presented by Ford Division,
Lincoln Mercury and Ford Motor Credit Company as part of a three-city Texas tour
in San Antonio, McAllen and Houston.
Tickets may be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster online at www.ticketmaster.com
or by visiting any Ticketmaster outlet at Foley's. Group tickets of 20 or more
may be purchased by calling (210) 225-3353. This event is a production of MPR (Muñoz
Public Relations). For more information on group and vocal competitions, call
(210) 225-3353.
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