Mariachi Vargas returns to Laredo for the first time in nearly 10 years for the Laredo Mariachi Music Fest. The event serves host to a weekend of mariachi events including a concert with the world’s preeminent Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, mariachi music presentations in schools and a professional mariachi group competition. The event is part of Buchanan’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration (September 15 – October 15) featuring some of greatest musicians and vocalists in the world.

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán is the main attraction for the Laredo Mariachi Music Fest. The group holds the title as el mejor mariachi del mundo with their original musical arrangements, vast recordings and flawless and breathtaking performances. “Seeing Mariachi Vargas live in concert is an experience beyond the imagination,” says Alexa Cavasos, Glazer’s Multicultural Marketing Director and sponsors of the event. “We invite everyone to join Buchanan’s in this celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month,” says Cavasos. “It’s a event that features the greatest music of Mexico and results in a tremendous feeling of cultural pride and appreciation,” she added. Joining Mariachi Vargas on stage on Friday, October 11 at the Laredo Civic Center is guest vocalist and violinist Raul “Jr.” Cuellar. Also performing is Gustavo Alvarado, Federico Torres and Fernando Velásquez on trumpet; Alberto Alfaro, Miguel Barrón, Andrés González, José “Pepe” Martínez, Sr., Daniel Martínez and José “Pepe Jr” Martínez on violin; Julio Martínez on harp; Enrique de Santiago on guitarron; Gilberto Aguirre on vihuela; and Arturo Vargas on guitar.

Performing prior to Mariachi Vargas will be two of Laredo’s top performing professional mariachi groups who will go head-to-head in a live competition. The groups are Mariachi Los Arrieros who performs under the direction of Juaquin Fernandez and Mariachi Los Alazanes who performs under the direction  of Gabriel Villarreal. The line up also includes award-winning vocalists Karenn (Lazo) Schiefelbein and Karen Zavala. Karenn Schiefelbein is originally from Roma, Texas and lives and works in Laredo. She won the prestigious title of Best Mariachi Vocalist in the U.S. in 2010 during the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza in San Antonio and has opened for Mariachi Vargas in concerts in Ann Arbor, Michigan, San Antonio and Corpus Christi.  She will be joined by Karen Zavala who won the same title in 2012. Karen Zavala is originally from Laredo where she graduated from Cigarroa High School. She is currently a student at Texas State University where she is working towards a degree in Criminal Justice. Both Karenn Schiefelbein and Karen Zavala will perform for students in local schools leading up to the concert on October 11.

The Laredo Mariachi Music Fest is sponsored by Buchanan’s, the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau, Entravision, The Laredo Morning Times, Guerra Communications, Pro8 News and mariachimusic.com. The event runs October 10-11 with a concert featuring Mariachi Vargas at 7:30 p.m. at the Laredo Civic Center on October 11.

Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Tickets may be purchased at the Laredo Civic Center starting Wednesday, October 9 at 1 p.m.

For more information log on to mariachimusic.com.