Texas A&M International University

Mariachi Vargas Wows Locals at Benefit Performance

Members of the famed Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán wowed an appreciative audience at the Laredo Entertainment Center last Saturday with a collection of time-honored standards.

The performance was sponsored by Sames Motor Company Inc., Ford Motor Credit, Ford Motor Company, the Laredo Entertainment Center and TAMIU. It was a benefit performance for the University's Fine and Performing Arts Scholarship program.

A crowd of over 5000 enjoyed hearing selections from the group's latest CD, "Penas, Desengaños y Amores" such as "Amargo Adios," "Mi Angel," "Pena Tras Pena" and "Si No Te Hubieras Ido." Standards such as "El Rey" and "Mi Manera," were also performed with intricate harmonies and instrumentation.

The stage was set as a colorful outdoor patio and also included a special screen with projected images of Mexico, Laredo and the University.

A special opening number was presented by Mike Jackson, Laredo native, who has recently recorded a CD of standards inspired by Nuevo Laredo's Cadillac Bar.

Organizers were encouraged by the audience response and are looking forward to presenting similar opportunities in the future.

Considered the 'best mariachi of the world' by generations since 1897, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán 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.

For further information on the Mariachi Vargas Benefit Concert, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 326-2175, e-mail events@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 262B.