Multitalented Houston-born vocalist, musician, songwriter, and actress Vanessa Cerda Alonzo will give a series of ten presentations from November 16-21, in conjunction with the 20th anniversary celebration of San Antonio’s Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza.

Vanessa received her earliest musical instruction through the mariachi programs offered by Houston’s Multicultural Educational Counseling through the Arts (MECA) organization. In 1999, at the age of 18, she competed in the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza, where Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán selected her as the “Best Mariachi Vocalist in the U.S.” for that year. Following her triumph, Vanessa opened for Mariachi Vargas at concerts in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Houston.

The Houston Grand Opera company later invited Vanessa to audition for the mariachi opera Cruzar la Cara de la Luna (To Cross the Face of the Moon). Winning the role of Lupita in that production, she joined the cast for performances in Chicago, San Diego, Tucson, Phoenix, and Paris, France. Most recently, she was selected as a cast member for El Pasado Nunca se Termina (The Past Never Ends). This new mariachi opera, a project of the Chicago Lyric Opera company’s Lyric Unlimited program, premieres in Chicago in March of 2015.

Vanessa Cerda is one of the many students who have participated in the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza over the past 20 years and have subsequently gone on to enjoy successful artistic careers. She clings to her mariachi roots while venturing into other exciting projects that continue to expand her career in the entertainment business.

Vanessa will share her experiences with the public during a total of ten upcoming Extravaganza events, which include library presentations, school visits, and a special recital at the University of Texas at San Antonio. A complete schedule of her appearances follows. All of these events will be held in San Antonio, Texas — the birthplace of the U.S. mariachi festival movement!

 List of events featuring Vanessa

Experience a full, Roman Catholic celebratory mariachi Mass with choir, featuring Vanessa Cerda as soloist. San Antonio’s mariachi movement began in the church, and historic San José Mission has been celebrating the mariachi Mass for over 40 years. This event is FREE and open to the public. It is recommended that you arrive early in order to ensure a seat.

Sunday, Nov. 16, at 3:00 p.m.

20 Years of the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza

McNay Art Museum

6000 North New Braunfels Avenue

Learn how the Extravaganza started and meet some of the talented young, award-winning artists who will perform at this narrated historical presentation. San Antonio is the birthplace of the US mariachi movement, and home to nearly 5,000 mariachi musicians, some of whom will share their talents during this very special performance. This is FREE to members of the McNay Art Museum and FREE with museum admission for non-members. Museum admission is $10.

Monday, Nov. 17, at 11:30 a.m.

Public Library Presentation ☀

Mission Branch Library

3134 Roosevelt Avenue

In this series of library presentations, Vanessa will talk about her experiences in traveling throughout the world, winning the “Best Mariachi Vocalist in the U.S.” award during the Extravaganza, and her upcoming world debut with the Chicago Lyric Opera company. She will also sing some of her favorite songs and talk about the music that is dearest to her heart.

 

Monday, Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m.

UTSA Mariachi Recital ☀

UTSA Buena Vista Theater

501 West César Chávez Boulevard

University of Texas-San Antonio’s mariachi students will perform along with Vanessa Cerda Alonzo and other special guests. This is a FREE event, open to the public.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 5:00 p.m.

Public Library Presentation ☀

Cortez Branch Library

2803 Hunter Boulevard

(See Monday, Nov. 17, 11:30 a.m. for description.)

 

Wed., Nov. 19, at 5:00 p.m.

Public Library Presentation ☀

Bazan Branch Library

2200 West Commerce Street

(See Monday, Nov. 17, 11:30 a.m. for description.)

 

Wed., Nov. 19, at 7:00 p.m.

Noche de Cultura ☀

Mexican Cultural Institute

600 Hemisfair Plaza Way

Carlos Martínez and Alberto Alfaro of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán offer a very special presentation about mariachi music, their careers, and their experiences traveling throughout the world. This is a FREE event, open to the public. Please RSVP by Tuesday, Nov. 18 at (210) 227-0123.

 

Thurs., Nov. 20, at 5:00 p.m.

Public Library Presentation

Las Palmas Branch Library

515 Castroville Road

(See Monday, Nov. 17, 11:30 a.m. for description.)

 

Fri., Nov. 21, at 8:00 a.m.

Mariachi Workshops ●

Lila Cockrell Theatre/Convention Center

200 East Market Street

Over 1000 mariachi musicians and directors participate in these workshops taught by members of Mariachi Vargas and special guests. Paid pre-registration for individuals and groups is required.

 

Fri., Nov. 21, at 5:00 p.m.

Mariachi Group Competitions ● ∆

Lila Cockrell Theatre/Convention Center

200 East Market Street

Nearly 50 mariachi groups compete in the largest, longest-enduring, and most competitive mariachi group competitions in the world. This event is open to the public for a modest fee. 

 

☀ = Free Event

● = Pre-registration or wristband required. Register at mariachimusic.com.

∆ = Tickets available only at Lila Cockrell Theatre Box Office on day of event.

 

Please call (210) 225-3353 for more information on any of the above events.