Univisión Presents Mariachi Vargas en Concierto June 7 at the Long Center
Austin, Texas (PRWEB) May 20, 2014 -- For over half a century, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán has been considered the finest mariachi in the world, earning and upholding the title of “El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo.” Founded in 1898, in the southern Jalisco village of Tecalitlán, the group recently celebrated its 115th anniversary. No other mariachi in history has had a trajectory or influence remotely comparable to that of Vargas. Its current generation represents the state of the art in mariachi music—world-class vocalists and instrumentalists, flawless ensemble work, impeccable taste in arrangements and repertoire, and spellbinding showmanship. The group never fails to engage its audience to the maximum, eliciting spontaneous gritos, sing-alongs, and one ovation after another with its heart-wrenching vocals and virtuosic instrumentals.
Mariachi Vargas en Concierto captivates heart and soul with a live concert experience beyond belief. Experience a night of Mexico’s finest music with El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo, and some Texas favorites!
About Mariachi Vargas
The official Mariachi Vargas chronology divides the group’s history into five generations: first (1898-1930), second (1931-1949), third (1950-1993), fourth (1994-2002), and fifth (2003-2014). Truly a historic institution, Mariachi Vargas will inaugurate its sixth generation (2014-present) in Austin during the group’s very first Texas performance under the leadership of its new musical director, Carlos Martínez. Carlos is a nephew of the ensemble’s previous musical director, José “Pepe” Martínez, and, until recently, was musical director of Guadalajara’s acclaimed Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán.
Mariachi Vargas’ fan base spans the globe. From Canada to Argentina, from Japan to Indonesia, from Spain to the Czech Republic, their music is popular throughout the world, and their recordings include more than 200 solo albums. Their latest CD, 115 Aniversario, pays tribute to the group’s current anniversary and includes music by famous Hispanic songwriters such as Emilio Estefan, Rubén Fuentes, Juan Gabriel, Juan Luis Guerra, Joan Sebastian, Juan Manuel Serrat, and Marco Antonio Solís.
Opening Acts
Award-winning groups and vocalists from the Austin area, including Texas State University’s Mariachi Nueva Generación and Kyle, Texas native William “Carlton” Gálvez, will open the show. William was selected as “Best Mariachi Vocalist in the U.S.” during the 2013 Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza in San Antonio. He recently sang his award-winning rendition of “Júrame” at the Majestic Theater during the San Antonio Symphony’s Fiesta Pops concert, in a performance San Antonio Express-News music critic Héctor Saldaña described as a “stun-gun moment.”
Eleven-year-old singing prodigy Angélica Vargas will also give a special guest appearance. Born in San Antonio of Mexican parents, Angélica made her debut at age six as a contestant in the 2009 Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza vocal competition, where she won first place in her category. After numerous local performances and appearances in two films, her family moved to Mexico City. There, she competed in Televisa's contest Lo Que Más Quieres, where she sang a duet with her father, Manuel Alcaraz Vargas of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, and won a trip to Hawaii. At this Austin concert, Angélica will officially launch her first recording, the self-titled CD Angélica Vargas.
Event sponsors include Univisión 62, Casa García’s, Buchanan’s, Technology Capital Corporation, Performance Food Service and MariachiMusic.com.
Tickets are available at the Long Center 3M Box Office or by phone at (512) 474-5664.
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán—current members
Gilberto Aguirre—vihuela (since 2013)
Alberto Alfaro—violin/vocals (since 2000)
Gustavo Alvarado—trumpet/vocals (since 1991)
Miguel Ángel Barrón—violin/vocals (since 2011)
Enrique de Santiago—guitarrón (since 1989)
Andrés González—violin/vocals (since 2007)
Carlos Martínez—violin/vocals/musical director (since 2014)
Daniel Martínez—violin/vocals (since 1985)
Julio Martínez—harp (since 1996)
José “Pepe” Martínez Jr.—violin/vocals (since 1993)
Federico Torres—trumpet/group coordinator (since 1966)
Arturo Vargas—guitar/vocals (since 2002)
Fernando Velásquez—trumpet/vocals (since 2007)
Emeritus members
Rubén Fuentes—violinist/arranger/producer/general director (since 1944)
José “Pepe” Martínez Sr.—violinist/vocalist/arranger/musical director (since 1975)
Cynthia Munoz, Munoz Public Relations, +1 (210) 225-3353, [email protected]
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