Texas A&M International University

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán Returns to Laredo with Majestic Concert

Mexico's legendary Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, revered globally for its musical sophistication and dynamic rhythms that bring to mind the most glorious sceneries of Mexico, will return to Laredo in a concert Saturday, April 24 at 8 p.m. at the Laredo Entertainment Center.

Venerated as the 'best mariachi of the world' by generations since 1897, Mariachi Vargas is returning to Laredo for the second time to benefit Texas A&M International University's Fine and Performing Arts scholarships.

Tickets for the Mariachi Vargas concert, $25 and $35 each, will go on sale Saturday, March 20 at the Laredo Entertainment Center's box office and at www.ticketmaster.com

Tickets for floor tables seating 10 are also available for $1,000 per table and will include admission to the 'Meet and Greet' reception, a social event after the Concert where Mariachi Vargas members will be present. Tickets for tables are currently available at the TAMIU Office for Institution Advancement by calling 326-2175.

The Mariachi Vargas Concert became the largest scholarship fundraiser in TAMIU history when last year, more than 5,000 attended and hailed for higher education in South Texas. The event is the result of a partnership that includes as sponsors Sames Motor Company, Ford Motor Company, Ford Motor Credit, the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Laredo Entertainment Center and TAMIU.

Dr. Gilberto Soto, associate professor of music and chair of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, said TAMIU is delighted to welcome the maestros of historic mariachi music to Laredo.

"This is a true opportunity to witness the living tradition that is mariachi music and at the same time, help our fine and performing arts students reach their educational dreams," said Dr. Soto, "Taking what was once considered a form of music better fit for the cantina than the concert hall, Mariachi Vargas has elevated mariachi music to an art form that vividly illustrates the vigor, passion, grace and tradition of the Hispanic culture."

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán was formed by four visionary musicians in the late 1800's and has seen several generations of musicians carry its name. While previously, folklore and songs in Mexico were passed down from generation to generation orally, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán changed the traditional way music was handed down when in 1928, Silvestre Vargas hired a trained musician as musical director.

Mariachi Vargas members are all classically trained and have played with luminaries such as Pedro Infante, Miguel Aceves Mejía, Lola Beltrán, and José Alfredo Jiménez. Members have taken mariachi music around the world and have performed in North, South and Central America, as well as Europe and Asia. Mariachi Vargas has been the only mariachi group allowed to perform at the pyramids in Egypt.

They have entertained countless heads of state, kings, ambassadors and dignitaries and were the first mariachi to perform at the White House.

For further information on the Mariachi Vargas concert, please contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326-2180. University office hours are 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Monday through Friday.