Finalists for San Antonio’s 18th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Vocal Competition will be posted Thursday, November 1 at 10am here. This year the number of entries went up by 30% from last year! There was a tremendous selection of entries from very talented, young vocalists from all over the country. The judges had a very difficult time narrowing down the list to only 37 finalists. The finalists will compete in front of a live audience at the Lila Cockrell Theater on Saturday, December 1 at 9 am. This is the only mariachi vocal competition in the country where winners are chosen by members of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. First, second and third place winners are selected from four categories: Elementary School; Middle School, High School and College/University. One overall winner will be chosen as the “Best Mariachi Vocalist in the US” and will have the opportunity to open for Mariachi Vargas December 1. The “Best in the U.S. Vocalist” will also receive a scholarship and the opportunity to represent the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza in performances throughout the year.

Wristbands are required to attend the competitions and are available at the Mariachi Connection at 2106 W. Commerce St. San Antonio, TX 78207 or by calling 210-225-3353.

If you missed participating in the vocal competition this year, please mark your calendar for October 1, 2013. This is the deadline for next year. There is still time to register as a group or individual to attend the workshops. The early deadline for registration is Monday, November 5 so don’t miss it! Late registration ends Thursday, November 15.

We look forward to seeing everyone Nov. 25- Dec. 1 for San Antonio’s 18th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza!

Special thanks to Jose Hernandez, director, Sol de Mexico; Federico Chavez, Composer; and Julio, Eddie & Martin Riojas for your support with the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Vocal Competition.