A huge thanks to Paola Alanis, Clyde Guerra and Nizhoni Begay who represented the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza in Ashland, Oregon recently. The students were invited by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Green Show Producer Claudia Alick to perform in 3 shows held just before the start of phenomenal theatrical performances. The students performed in 3 shows, saw 3 shows and spent 7 glorious days in the beautiful city of Ashland which is known for their amazing plays. The people of Ashland are very kind and appreciative that the students performed in their city. Clyde was amazing in his rendition of Besame Mucho (video above). He left a few broken hearts with his romantic serenade but gained tons of fans (his new nickname is the heartbreaker). People thought Paola was a princess in her beautiful pink traje and Nizhoni was impressed with the audiences knowledge of mariachi music. The best part of it all is that Paola, Clyde and Nizhoni had an amazing opportunity to work with Edwin Origel Mendez (guitar player for Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan) who accompanied them during their performances. The students first met Edwin during the Mariachi Extravaganza Summer Vocal Camp in San Antonio where he served as an instructor alongside Steeven Sandoval and Vanessa Alonso. He’s an amazing vocalist, musician and teacher and is just super cool to be around. He helped put together an amazing show for the entire city of Ashland and we are greatly appreciative for his passion for mariachi music, his patience in working with the students and his pleasant personality with all.

I was in heaven listening to Paola, Clyde, Nizhoni and Edwin sing and play for an entire week. It was the perfect trip for me and the 3 parents who attended.

Mil gracias to all!