Mariachi Extravaganza Vocal Competition Deadline set for October 15, 2008

The Mariachi Extravaganza vocal competition continues to be one of the top events of the 7-day music festival because it offers students the opportunity to open for Mariachi Vargas and perform live in front of thousands of people. The competition showcases phenomenal talent among elementary through college age students who participate in the most competitive mariachi vocal competition in the U.S. Hours of practice and preparation go into planning for the event and it pays off. Estevan Velasquez from Odessa won the Mariachi Extravaganza vocal competition last year and opened for Mariachi Vargas in concerts in San Antonio, Houston and Eugene, Oregon. He also won a $2,000 scholarship to attend the college/university of his choice. He then opened for Pepe Aguilar and Joan Sebastian in concerts in Odessa and was accepted to participate in TV Azteca’s international vocal competition La Academia.

Each student has their own goals and dreams. The objective of the Mariachi Extravaganza is to help them get a little closer to reaching them.

Be part of this years competition by submitting your audition tape or CD by the October 15th deadline to:

Mariachi Extravaganza Vocal Competition
One Ten Broadway, Ste. 220
San Antonio, Texas 78205

Be sure to fill out the complete registration form and mail it with your tape or CD. Submissions will be reviewed by a committee and approximately 10 finalist will be selected in each of 3 categories: elementary/middle school, high school and college/university. Finalists selected will have the opportunity to compete in front of the Mariachi Vargas on Saturday, December 6 at the Municipal Auditorium. Mariachi Vargas will select first, second and third place winners in each category. One overall Best in the U.S. vocalist will be invited to open for Mariachi Vargas in concert.

Check out last years vocal finalists in the video section of mariachimusic.com.
Here’s a list of our former Best in the U.S. winners:

Eddie Amaya
1997
Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Jackie Morales
1998
San Antonio, Texas

Vanessa Cerda
1999
Houston, Texas

Victoria Acosta
2000
San Antonio, Texas

Mayra Guerra
2001
Roma, Texas

Anastasia Wilkins
2002
San Antonio, Texas

Monica Martinez
2003
Laredo, Texas

Virginia Stille
2004
Houston, Texas

Monique Alvarado
2005
San Antonio, Texas

Fabiola Rivera
2006
Laredo, Texas

Esteban Velasquez
2007
Odessa, Texas

All deadlines and key dates