After more than 30 years of celebrating the finest mariachi talent in the world, the iconic San Antonio-based Mariachi Extravaganza music festival is bringing its highly anticipated competitions to Nevada. The nation’s top school-based mariachi groups and vocalists will battle for the title of reigning champions at the inaugural Mariachi Extravaganza Las Vegas – West Coast Region.
Through a collaborative effort between the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Music and MPR, producers of the Mariachi Extravaganza, talented young artists from across the country will compete for top honors, prizes, and a coveted spot in the prestigious Mariachi Extravaganza Concert.
Stephen Blanco, UNLV’s Mariachi Director and longtime participant of the Mariachi Extravaganza, played a key role in bringing the festival to Las Vegas to support the city’s rapidly growing school-based mariachi music programs. Clark County School District leads the nation with the highest number of students enrolled in mariachi music programs, boasting 8,200 participants. Additionally, a growing number of colleges and universities, including UNLV and the College of Southern Nevada, now offer mariachi music programs on campus.
“It’s important that our students from Las Vegas develop as young artists by having the opportunity to compete against the best schools in the country,” says Blanco. “Students from Las Vegas will compete against students from California, Texas, Arizona, and other parts of the U.S., where they will have the opportunity to win scholarships, prizes, and a chance to perform at the Mariachi Extravaganza grand finale concert.”
The Competition and Concert
The inaugural Mariachi Extravaganza Las Vegas will attract some of the best young mariachi groups and vocalists in the nation. Award-winning groups from South Texas will go head-to-head with top groups and vocalists from 20 cities across the country. More than $10,000 in prizes, scholarships, and grants will be awarded to competition winners.
The event will culminate in a spectacular concert featuring competition winners and Jonathan Palomar as the headliner. Formerly a key member of the world-renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Palomar’s powerful voice and emotional depth have made him a beloved figure in mariachi music across the globe. Hailing from Mexico City, he brings authenticity and passion to every note, promising a performance that will leave audiences breathless. Accompanying Palomar is UNLV’s own Mariachi Revolución, making their debut performance on the big stage.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Location: UNLV Performing Arts Center, Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, Las Vegas, NV
Mariachi Group and Vocal Competitions
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mariachi Extravaganza Concert
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Tickets available at: UNLV.EDU/PAC
Sponsors and Support
The presenting sponsor of the Mariachi Extravaganza Las Vegas is KHS America Academic Alliance (KHS America Alianza Académica), based in Nashville, Tennessee. The company’s 19 brands, which include Jupiter trumpets, Jimenez Guitars and Hohner accordions, help provide schools with the resources they need to develop strong music programs.
The Mariachi Extravaganza serves as a platform to promote higher education and cultural preservation among youth while providing young artists with opportunities to showcase their talents on a national stage.
Recommended Hotel
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Las Vegas is a 10 minute walk from UNLV’s Performing Arts Center.
For additional information, contact:
Stephen Blanco: stephen.blanco@unlv.edu or 586-718-2248
Leon Camacho: leon@mariachimusic.com or 210-629-2830
Cynthia Munoz: cynthia@mariachimusic.com or 210-860-9633
