Cotulla High School’s Mariachi Cotuleño is having a blast performing in the great city of Ashland, Oregon, home of the prestigious Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

The people of Ashland have opened their arms with a warm welcome to Cotulla High School’s mariachi students and Karenn Lazo who joins them from Roma, Texas. Mariachi Cotuleño has been treated as the “stars of Ashland” during their week long stay in the Rogue Valley area. It’s been quite a surprise to most locals to see mariachi musicians from South Texas in a place well known for their Shakespearean based theatrical performances. Most people have wondered how mariachi music fits in with a city known for Shakespeare. Well, the interesting thing is that it was a custom back in the Shakespeare days for a show to take place prior to a theatrical performance. This show is called “The Green Show.” So the students from Cotulla are performing in the Green Show. It makes perfect sense as the City of Ashland embraces various forms of cultural arts programs including mariachi. Many prestigious, world renowned artists have performed in the Green Show. Cotulla joins the list of prestigious artists and musicians. There are two more shows to go this Saturday and Sunday. Spread the word….it’s a must see show. Mariachi Cotuleño and Karenn Lazo were invited to perform the Green Show after winning first place in the high school mariachi group and vocal competitions in San Antonio’s Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. For information on the 2010 Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza log on to mariachimusic.com or call 210-225-3353.