Steeven Sandoval, one of the most highly-acclaimed mariachi vocalists in the world, returns to San Antonio for the third consecutive season. This year, his Saturday, May 4 performance at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre will commemorate the historic Cinco de Mayo celebrations that have been important to this city for more than one hundred and fifty years.
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the triumph of the Mexican army against the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. General Ignacio Zaragoza, the Mexican commander in that armed conflict, was a native of Goliad, Texas. This triumph made Zaragoza a hero in both Texas and Mexico—a key reason why Cinco de Mayo is so meaningful in San Antonio, where it is celebrated with great music and folklore.
For this year’s Cinco de Mayo celebration, Steeven brings a repertoire specially tailored to satisfy the most demanding mariachi connoisseurs and featuring traditional rancheras, syncopated huapangos, romantic boleros and classic sones jaliscienses. Besides his signature song “Por Amor” and selections from his latest album 100 Litros de Tequila, Sandoval will pay homage to the charreria mexicana tradition with themes like “Mi Fiesta Charra” and “El Toro Coquito.”
Now a solo artist in his own right—after 14 years as primera voz for the legendary Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán—Steeven Sandoval proudly returns to San Antonio, a city where mariachi music is greatly respected, where it is taught from middle schools to colleges and universities, and where for the last 25 years Cynthia Muñoz, president of Muñoz Public Relations (MPR), has produced the internationally renowned Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza.
Known as “La Voz del Mariachi,” Steeven is considered a charro cantor, an honorable reference to a person who represents the true spirt of Mexican folklore and one who interprets mariachi music in its most traditional form through voice and performance. Sandoval delights his audiences with grace, elegance, humility and gratitude, and is known for delivering each song with sincere emotion that frequently brings his fans to tears.
“La Voz del Mariachi” will be accompanied by San Antonio-based Mariachi Azteca de América, featuring a special guest appearance by Edcouch-Elsa native Nathania Flores, 2018 Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Grand Champion vocal winner.
Steeven Sandoval’s Cinco de Mayo concert is a production of MPR, producers of the 25th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. MPR’s mission is to promote, preserve and present mariachi music in its most traditional form while featuring outstanding artists from both the U.S. and Mexico. This concert is made possible with support from H.E.B.
Tickets to see Steeven Sandoval go on sale Friday, February 15 at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Majestic Theatre Box Office, online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. All tickets are subject to applicable service charges and fees.
More about Steeven Sandoval
A native of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Steeven began performing at an early age. After many years of perfecting his art, he joined the internationally renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, el mejor mariachi del mundo. During the 14 years he participated in the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza as Mariachi Vargas’ lead vocalist, his extraordinary vocal prowess and powerful, heart-warming performances earned him a loyal fan base that enabled him to embark on a successful solo career.
Sandoval has recorded dozens of albums with Mariachi Vargas and Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán. He released his first solo CD, 100 Litros de Tequila, in 2017. The album features mariachi themes like “Te Hubieras Ido Antes,” “A Los Cuatro Vientos,” and his signature song, “Por Amor,” each of which has garnered millions of views on YouTube.
Steeven Sandoval has performed throughout the U.S., Europe and Latin America. He has also performed at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France and with the Houston Grand Opera in two mariachi operas: Cruzar la Cara de la Luna and El Pasado Nunca se Termina.
