Mariachi Gala Concert Starts Saturday

Enjoy the sounds of traditional mariachi music at Texas A&M International University's Seventh Annual Fiesta de Mariachi Gala Concert featuring world-renowned Mariachi Campanas de America, Saturday, April 23, at 8 p.m. at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts (CFPA) Recital Hall.

"The festival is a two-day celebration in which we include workshops in all areas of mariachi instrumentation and vocals for middle and high school students. To close the celebration - workshops and competitions - we will have a special gala concert featuring our guests Mariachi Campanas de America directed by Juán Ortíz," explained Dr. Gilberto Soto, associate professor and chair of the department of fine and performing arts.

The mariachi festival began seven years ago with the idea to showcase the talent of middle and high school students in music - specifically those who play the traditional mariachi styles. Students from all over South Texas and as far as El Paso will attend workshops and compete in the festival.

"The workshops are provided by very well-known music educators from South Texas. The students will also have a chance to enjoy a free concert featuring our mariachi guests, Mariachi Campanas de America. In that concert, they will learn the importance of showmanship and musicianship," added Dr. Soto.

The middle and high school competitions will be open to the public. The middle school mariachi competition starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 22 in the CFPA  Recital Hall. The high school competition will be held on Saturday, April 23 at 9 a.m. also at the Recital Hall. Admission for adults is $3 and children's admission is free.

Mariachi Campanas de America is one of the most recognized mariachi groups in the United States. The group has performed at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, The Kennedy Center, and with philharmonic orchestras across the country and in Europe.

Tickets for the Gala are on sale at CFPA 102 and 217. Prices are $25, $40, and $100. The $100 tickets include a meet and greet with the Campaneros after the gala concert. Proceeds benefit Department of Fine and Performing Arts scholarships.

"Mariachi Campanas de America has a unique performance skill that invites the audience to have a wonderful time. It's a wonderful experience of traditional mariachi music and showmanship. Plus, the gala benefits our fine arts students' scholarships. This field requires them to buy a lot of expensive equipment and materials and they benefit from the scholarships," said Dr. Soto.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact Dr. Soto at 326.2649, e-mail gsoto@tamiu.edu or visit offices in CFPA 217.

University office hours are 8 a.m. to 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