The most exciting event of the year is only three weeks away! The 31st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza returns to San Antonio with the largest gathering of talented mariachi musicians from throughout the U.S. This three-day celebration of music and culture will feature the National Vocal Competition Semifinals, the National Group Competition Semifinals, and culminate with the National Finals, all held at the Lila Cockrell Theatre.
The Extravaganza kicks off on Thursday, December 4, with 47 top vocalists from 20 U.S. cities competing in the National Vocal Competition Semifinals. Contestants will range in age from 8 to 24, representing the best young mariachi talent in the nation.
“Expect an extraordinary pool of vocalists, from elementary through college age,” says Vanessa Alonzo of Houston, a returning judge and accomplished performer. “It’s a one-of-a-kind experience to see such enormous talent, exquisite pageantry, and excellent showmanship — part of what makes the selection of winners so difficult,” she adds.
Following Thursday’s competition, judges will select the top vocalists from each category — Elementary, Middle School, High School, and College/University — who will advance to the National Vocal Finals on Saturday, December 6 at 10:00AM.
MEET THE FOR THE VOCAL COMPETITION SEMIFINALS
Vanessa Alonzo – Former Mariachi Grand Champion Vocal Winner, based in Houston, Texas
Houston native Vanessa Alonzo is an accomplished singer and performer whose artistry bridges mariachi and opera. She began her musical journey under the late Alfonso Guerra through Houston’s MECA program, where she developed her lifelong passion for mariachi. Vanessa first competed in the Mariachi Extravaganza in 1999, earning the title of “Best in the U.S.” (now known as Grand Champion Vocalist) as selected by members of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.
In 2010, she gained wide visibility for originating the role of Lupita in Cruzar La Cara de la Luna (To Cross the Face of the Moon) — the world’s first mariachi opera — commissioned by Houston Grand Opera and created by José “Pepe” Martínez and Leonard Foglia. Her performance impressed Foglia so deeply that he composed an original aria for her, a rare honor reserved for the most exceptional vocalists.
Vanessa has reprised the role with major opera companies including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Diego Opera, New York City Opera, Minnesota Opera, and internationally in Paris and Quito, Ecuador. In October 2024, she performed in Cruzar La Cara de la Luna with OPERA San Antonio.
Steve Carrillo – Co-Founder and Director, Mariachi Cobre, based in Orlando, Florida
Steve Carrillo, along with his brother Randy Carillo, started Mariachi Cobre in 1971 in Tucson, Arizona. Born on May 31, 1958, Stephen’s musical journey began at age five when he started singing popular Mexican songs of the time. He soon mastered guitar, guitarrón, and trumpet, performing with the very first Mariachi Juvenil in the U.S – Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson.
As Co-Founder and Director of Mariachi Cobre, he has helped establish one of the world’s premier mariachi ensembles, celebrated for musical excellence and cultural authenticity. He serves as the Musical Director (and trumpet player) for the group and is recognized as a composer, arranger, and clinician in the mariachi world. Under his leadership, Mariachi Cobre has enjoyed as established career as the resident mariachi ensemble at the Mexico Pavilion of Epcot (Disney World) since the park opened in 1982. Additionally, the group has performed with nearly 50 symphony orchestras across the U.S. and Mexico, and has accompanied major artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Ana Gabriel and Vikki Carr.
Steve is also a member of Leyendas del Mariachi, a group comprised of elite musicians from the most respected mariachis in the world. His dual role as a performer + educator/arranger, makes him significant not only for performance but for the institutional growth of mariachi music in the U.S.
Rafael Palomar – Former Member, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, based in Los Angeles, California
A celebrated vocalist and guitarist, Rafael Palomar descends from a renowned musical family founded by his father, Maestro Román Palomar. His professional career began in Mexico City’s Plaza Garibaldi and led him to perform at Restaurante Arroyo, where he was invited to join Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.
For more than 25 years, Rafael toured globally with Mariachi Vargas, performing across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and recording with many of Mexico’s greatest musical icons. Since 1985, he has been recognized as an outstanding educator, conducting workshops and clinics across Mexico and the U.S.
Today, Rafael serves as Musical Director of Herencia Mariachi Academy in Corona, California, where he has spent the past decade nurturing new generations of mariachi musicians. His ensemble presents major concerts, community performances, and original productions, including a symphonic concert celebrating the academy’s 10th anniversary in 2025. Rafael also performs with Las Leyendas del Mariachi, a collective of former members from the world’s most prestigious mariachi ensembles.
The 31st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza continues to be the nation’s premier event celebrating the rich tradition of mariachi music. All competitions and concerts will take place at the Lila Cockrell Theatre in downtown San Antonio. Competition wristbands may be purchased at the theatre box office on the day of the events.
Competition winners will open for the world renowned and Mexico City based Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 pm. Concert tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.
For schedules, and updates, visit www.mariachimusic.com or follow @MariachiMusic on social media.
The 31st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza is sponsored by H-E-B, KHS Alianza Academic and Raising Cane’s. The Mariachi Extravaganza is proudly produced by San Antonio based Muñoz Public Relations (MPR).
