Texas A&M International University

Mariachi Vargas Benefit Concert Set April 24 at LEC

Many say their music has mended more broken hearts than surgeons. And when the legendary Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán hits those notes with surgical precision, hearts worldwide still flutter.

The opportunity to experience Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán is nearing with their Saturday, April 24 performance at 8 p.m. at the Laredo Entertainment Center. Proceeds benefit scholarships for Texas A&M International University's Department of Fine and Performing Arts.

Tickets are $25 and $35 and are available at the LEC box office and Ticketmaster.com . A limited number of seated tables are also available.

Last year's concert drew a crowd of over 6,000 cheering fans and raised more than $40,000 in scholarship monies, becoming the most successful fundraising event in University history.

Dr. Gilberto Soto, chair of the TAMIU department of fine and performing arts, said that event was memorable and he is hopeful that this year's event will be as memorable and successful.

"We were thrilled with response to last year's concert, which touched many hearts and provided much-needed student scholarships. We hope that this year's concert is just as popular, memorable and successful," Dr. Soto said.

Mariachi Vargas' appearance is the result of a partnership that includes sponsors Sames Motor Company Inc., Ford Motor Credit, Ford Motor Company, the Laredo Entertainment Center and TAMIU.

Considered as 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.