The tradition of performing mariachi music in Mexico is often passed from one generation to the next through family members or close friends. This is the case of Steeven Sandoval, vocalist and violinist for Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. As a child, Steeven watched his father play the trumpet with Mariachi Chapala in a restaurant in Guadalajara where great musicians and vocalists like Lucha Villa and Mariachi Vargas often performed. “I watched Mariachi Vargas and dreamed of being part of the group even as a young man” says Steeven. “I  had great admiration for the group (back then as I do now) and especially enjoyed watching Mario de Santiago who played with Mariachi Vargas for more than 40 years. Mario had a distinct voice and style especially when singing the most traditional form of mariachi - the ’son(es)’.” Mario was one of the most influential people in my life and is now retired and living in Mexico,” he says.

Photo is of Steeven Sandoval and Alberto Alfaro who will be in San Antonio November 19-21 as part of the 15th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. He is one of 13 members of the internationally acclaimed Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan who will conduct mariachi music workshops with students at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. More information is available at 210-225-3353 and mariachimusic.com.

Consul General de Mexico Armando Ortiz Rocha will celebrate the 199th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence from Spain September 15 at the Municipal Auditorium with a “grito” featuring artists from both the US and Mexico. The event features performances by Mexican singer Luisa Maria (the ambassador of the Mexican folk song), bolero singer and pianist Ligia Camara and the Ballet “Tradiciones” from Monterrey.

Mariachi Sangre Mexicana de Manuel Vargas and award winning vocalists Monique Alvarado, Selena Elizondo and Victoria Acosta will also perform. Manuel Vargas is a former member of the esteemed Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan who has established himself as a San Antonio favorite. Monique, Selena and Victoria are all San Antonio based mariachi vocal winners who have been named as ”Best in the U.S.” by members of Mariachi Vargas at the annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza vocal competition. The “grito” begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Municipal Auditorium and is by far the best free event of the year in San Antonio!

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