Mariachi Festival and Performing Arts Houston have partnered to present the 4th Annual Mariachi Festival, a celebration of Hispanic Culture. This three-day event is sponsored by Telemundo, Que Onda Magazine, Action Gypsum Supply, and The Gonzalez Law Group. The festival spans August 18-20 at the Wortham Center’s Brown Theater, and features performances by Texas mariachi legends Mariachi Mariposas, Mariachi 7 Leguas, Mariachi Imperial de America, and more. Festival tickets, VIP experience tickets, and sponsorship information are available at performingartshouston.org.
“With so much appreciation and support from the community in the past three years, we are so excited to bring the festival back for a fourth year, with just as much energy and passion as when we first began.” says Mariachi Festival Executive Director, Ben Mendez. “Being able to spotlight mariachi music and our Hispanic culture is the ultimate reward, and it’s an honor to bring these world-class mariachi stars to Houston.”
“We are delighted to partner with the Mariachi festival to honor the rich tradition of mariachi music and the influential role it plays in our community.” says Performing Arts Houston President and CEO, Meg Booth. “We are thrilled to team up with Mariachi Festival to put this celebration on our Theater District stages.”
Night one of the festival, August 18th, celebrates Latina Night, honoring the strength of women with a performance by the all-female group Mariachi Mariposas, based in the Rio Grande Valley. The program will also feature the winners of the National Mariachi Youth Vocalist Competition, Houston Native Vanessa Alonzo, and Houston’s own – University of Houston Mariachi Pumas.
Saturday, August 19th, celebrates the culture in grand style with attendees encouraged to arrive in formal wear. The Saturday concert includes performances by Mariachi 7 Leguas with special performances by University of Texas Rio Grande Ballet Folklorico, and Winner of the 2022 Mariachi Extravaganza in San Antonio, vocalist Nayelli Pena.
The festival closes on Sunday, August 20th, with a performance by Mariachi Imperial de America, celebrating their 35th anniversary, and an all-star lineup of some of the best youth mariachis from Houston. Audience members are invited to wear traditional Mexican dresses and guayaberas.
Under the direction of veteran mariachi musician and educator Mayra Garcia, Mariachi Mariposas began in the summer of 2012 in an effort to safeguard our cultural music and give performance opportunities to female mariachi musicians. In a male dominated genre, Mariachi Mariposas strives to set the example in being a mariachi that can play and sing the art of mariachi music as well as their male counterparts. In their short existence, Mariachi Mariposas have received public recognition as being one of the best female mariachi groups in the state of Texas. Mariposas believe music is a gift and participate in providing the Rio Grande Valley communities with free public concerts so that all may enjoy mariachi music and help continue and preserve their traditions.
Mariachi 7 Leguas was formed in 2005 in the Rio Grande Valley by a well-known and highly respected mariachi musician and leader in the mariachi music industry, Emilio Santos, Jr. In 2010, Many of the group members are graduates from the Mariachi Program in the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Mariachi 7 Leguas was chosen as the top winner of the global competition “Sones de Mariachi por el Mundo,” and won the title of “Best Mariachi”.
Mariachi Imperial de America has been in existence for over 35 years. Founded by the Longoria family patriarch in Houston, Texas; Mariachi Imperial de America arose from humble beginnings, mostly performing at private parties and other local venues across Houston. Today, Mariachi Imperial de America is recognized for its energy infused performances, diverse musical repertoire, theatrical imitations of legendary artists, and audience participation. Imperial de America has also been featured on Good Morning America, The Selena Vive Concert, UFC, Mis Quince, and Jersylicious. In 2023, they won the Houston Livestock & Rodeo Mariachi Competition.
To be part of sponsoring the 4th Annual Mariachi Festival and take advantage of unique VIP experiences, contact Ben Mendez at benmendez@mariachifestival.com. Sponsorships begin at $500 for eight (8) seats.
About Mariachi Festival
Mariachi Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on August 9, 2019. Our mission is to promote our Hispanic culture through the arts. With your support, we will continue to have events that we all can be proud of. Our goal is to make Houston a city that is known for first-class events featuring some of the best mariachi and ballet folklórico groups in the country
About Performing Arts Houston
Performing Arts Houston (formerly known as Society for the Performing Arts) connects audiences with exceptional artists through diverse performances and learning experiences. We ignite and cultivate passion for the performing arts, exploring the vast landscape of artistic expression to discover new understanding about ourselves, create community, inspire dialogue, and enrich our world. More at performingartshouston.org
The 4th Annual Mariachi Festival
August 18-20, 2023
Friday-Sunday 7 pm
All performances in the Brown Theater of the Wortham Center
Tickets available at performingartshouston.org
Latina Night with Mariachi Mariposas
Also featuring University of Houston Mariachi Pumas and winners of the National Mariachi Youth Vocalist Competition
Friday August 18, 2023, 7pm
Mariachi Festival with Mariachi 7 Leguas
Also featuring University of Texas Rio Grande Ballet Folklórico and Nayelli Pena
Saturday August 19, 2023, 7pm
Una Noche de Musica con Mariachi Imperial de America
Also featuring an all-star lineup of youth from the Houston area
Sunday August 20, 2023, 7pm
Additional information and past festival highlights at mariachifestival.com/
