Mariachi Vargas Tickets for TAMIU Benefit Now on Sale at LEC

Tickets for the rare opportunity to see Mexico's legendary Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán here on Saturday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m., are now on sale at the Laredo Entertainment Center and Ticketmaster.

Mariachi Vargas' appearance comes through a generous partnership by sponsors Sames Motor Company, Ford Motor Credit, Ford Salute to Education, the Laredo Entertainment Center and TAMIU. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit student scholarships.

Tickets are $10, $15 and $25 and can be obtained at the Laredo Entertainment Center's box office or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

The concert is the highlight of the University's two-day Fiesta de Mariachi, an annual mariachi competition scheduled April 25-26 at TAMIU. It includes mariachi workshops and a competition that is expected to draw 20 high schools and 10 middle schools from throughout Texas and the nation.

The Fiesta de Mariachi, now in its fifth year, serves to introduce middle and high school students to a university community and identify future TAMIU students.

The visit by Mariachi Vargas will complement the Fiesta's unique learning experience for competition participants.

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. By doing so, they have elevated mariachi music to an art form that vividly illustrates the vigor, passion, grace and tradition of the Hispanic culture.

For further information on the Mariachi Vargas concert and the Fiesta de Mariachi, please contact Dr. Gilberto Soto at 326-2649, e-mail gsoto@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in Pellegrino Hall, 215B or call the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326-2180.

University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu