Texas A&M International University

Mariachi Vargas de Ticket Sales Begin March 20

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Saturday, March 20 at the Laredo Entertainment Center box office for the upcoming Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán Concert.

Tickets, $25 and $35 each, may also be obtained at www.ticketmaster.com

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.

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.

Proud ambassadors of the Hispanic culture, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán drew thousands to their concert last year and evoked tears of exhilaration in audience members young and old alike.

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.