Celeste Rios, from Texas State University, was selected by members of Mariachi Vargas as the “Best Mariachi Vocalist in the US” during the San Antonio 17th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza vocal competition this past December. As winner of the “Best Mariachi Vocalist in the US” title, Celeste had the opportunity to open two concerts for Mariachi Vargas on December 3rd and 4th at the Lila Cockrell Theater.

Celeste also received a $1000 scholarship thanks to the generous contributions of the 2011 Mariachi Patrons: Dr. Gabriel Urrea Botero, Frank De Leon and Armida Medrano-Mariachi Por Vida, Romeo Garza-Los Laureles Restaurant and Garza Pharmacy, Nyria Melchor, Cynthia Muñoz-Producer of the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza, John and Nancy Oliphant, Charles and Margaret Timms-Timms Trucking and Excavating, and Bill and Carol Ward.

Congratulations to Celeste, and a big thank you to all of the Mariachi Patrons!

For more information on becoming a Mariachi Patron or about the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza call 210-225-3353.