The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza attracted some outstanding performances last December. It was the best event ever, thanks to the amazing talent that participated in the original songwriting competition, and the group and vocal competitions. The showcases were simply exhilarating! It is amazing to see how significantly the talent has improved throughout the years, and it’s a special treat to see the winners performing on stage prior to Mariachi Vargas. And Vargas’ performance never disappoints. They were once again captivating, breathtaking, and flawless.
It’s also great to be able to present the winners with grants and awards, thanks to generous contributors such as AHMSA International, Buchanan’s, Valero, People en Español Festival, individual donors, and everyone who attended the competitions.
Here are the winners who took home a total of over $8,000 in grants to support their mariachi music programs and ongoing initiatives:
Original Songwriting Competition
Francisco Guerra, 1st place with Orgullo Fiel: $250
Belén Rubí Rodríguez/Robert Meras, 2nd place with Mariachi de Generaciones: $150
Gino Rivera, 3rd place with Milagro Maravilloso: $100
Mariachi Group Competition — First Place Winners
Mariachi Juvenil de América, Veterans Middle School; Rio Grande City, TX: $1,000
Mariachi Nuevo Santander Roma High School; Roma, TX: $1,000
Mariachi Aztlán University of Texas Pan American; Edinburg, TX: $1,575
Mariachi Vocal Competition — First Place Winners
Christina López, Covenant Christian Academy; McAllen, TX: $500
Jackelyn Barrera, Ramiro Barrera Middle School; Roma, TX: $500
Clyde Guerra, Roma High School; Roma, TX: $500
“Best Vocalist in the U.S.”
William “Carlton” Gálvez; Kyle, TX: $2,000
Geraldine “BooBoo” Orta Charles Scholarship
Lilia Enríquez, Palo Alto Community College; San Antonio, TX: $500
Total awarded: $8,075.00
A complete list of winners is posted on mariachimusic.com.
If you haven’t yet seen the photos, check them out on the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Facebook page and relive some very special moments from the 19th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. And be sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming 20th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza, November 16-22.
