Edwin Origel Mendez will be in San Antonio, TX to assist Steeven Sandoval in leading the 2nd Annual Mariachi Extravaganza Summer Vocal Camp. Edwin was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and currently is a member of the ever so talented, Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan. He first started playing the guitar at the age of 14 years old with his dad as his first instructor and when he turned 17 he started singing. Edwin also studied at the Instituto Cultural Cabanas in Guadalajara. Edwin has successfully recorded 8 CD’s with Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan. In 2013, Edwin taught vocal workshops with other renowned mariachi instructors such as Don Victor Cardenas, Rigoberto Alfaro, Jose Hernandez, Don Jesus Rodriguez de Hijar and Don “Naty” Cano. He has also taught vocals for many years as a vocal instructor at the Mariachi Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Edwin is mostly known for the songs “Del Alma Asero” and “El Triste.” We are very excited to have Edwin accompany Steeven Sandoval to assist the vocal camp participants.
History of Mariachi Nuevo de Tecalitlan:
Established in 1965 by José “Pépe” Martinez and his brother Fernando, the legendary Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán was one of the most prolific mariachis of all time in terms of recorded output. With founding musical director, Pépe Martinez, Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán recorded over 500 original arrangements on over 100 long-playing records. When Maestro Pépe left to join Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán in 1976, Fernando remained in charge of the group until his passing in 1998.
Today, the group is comprised of four second generation Martinez family members, all sons of Fernando, along with some of the most virtuoso mariachi musicians in the circuit. This show mariachi ensemble executes every arrangement with finesse and demonstrates a passionate connection with the audience in each and every performance. Carlos Martinez, musical director, continues in the steps of his uncle and father, composing original scores and arrangements that bring the house down. Their musical collaboration presents a quality and Class A show that demonstrates the diversity of Mexican culture while preserving its most treasured music traditions.
Internationally renowned Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán are world travelers who have received special recognitions in and outside of Mexico. In the USA, they have performed at some of the nation’s most prestigious venues including The Hollywood Bowl, The Santa Barbara Bowl, Millennium Park in Chicago with the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra and at the Lotus Club in New York. They have traveled around the world including performances in Europe, Shanghai, Ecuador, Canada, Guatemala, Chile and Korea.
Most of the members of Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán come from multi-generational mariachi family dynasties. This prodigious ensemble continues to deliver a quality show that represents all levels of the live mariachi experience, from the most traditional and popular songs to complicated compositions and arrangements. It is for that reason that the group was recently recognized as the “Best Mariachi in Jalisco.”
