BREAKING NEWS: World premiere of Vargas’ 'Llamarada' debuts TODAY!

WHAT: World Premiere of “Llamarada,” performed by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán
WHEN: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 from 3:00–4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Tobin Center, McLaughlin Rotunda
100 Auditorium Circle; San Antonio, TX 78205

BREAKING NEWS — The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza is proud to announce the selection of “Llamarada” for the 25th Annual San Antonio Film Festival on Wednesday, July 31 between 3:00–4:30 PM at the Tobin Center’s McLaughlin Rotunda, during the Music Video Shorts block.

Selected out of hundreds of submissions, “Llamarada” was recorded last November during the 24th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza held at San Antonio’s Lila Cockrell Theatre. This magical performance by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán was masterfully captured by San Antonio-based filmmakers Isaiah Matthews, Chavis Barron and Dominique Johnson of Solarshot.

The fleeting moment of passionate love described in this song is delivered in a powerful interpretation by Mariachi Vargas vocalist and guitarist Jonathan Palomar. The metallic brilliance of the trumpets, contrasted with sensuous accents by the strings, is none other than the creative brilliance of Carlos Martínez, distinguished musical director of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.

Written in 1972 by Columbian songwriter Jorge Villamil, “Llamarada” was recently revived by international superstar Luis Miguel, who featured it on his 2017 Grammy-winning album ¡México Por Siempre! This award-winning album was arranged by Carlos Martínez, and Mariachi Vargas provided the musical accompaniment.

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán sets the standard for mariachi music throughout the world. Having been in existence for over 120 years and six generations, the group has been instrumental in shaping and elevating the traditional mariachi as an art form through operatic and symphonic influences, while creating a new wave of fans and musicians across every corner of the globe. Long known as the greatest mariachi in the world, Mariachi Vargas is made up of some of the greatest musicians and vocalists on the planet. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with such phenomenal artists for so many years.

If you are unable to attend the San Antonio Film Festival, “Llamarada” will be posted soon on the Mariachimusicdotcom Youtube channel.

The San Antonio Film Festival runs from July 30 to August 4. To purchase tickets, log on to the Tobincenter.org, and be sure to join us in San Antonio for the 25th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza December 1-7, 2019.

— Cynthia Muñoz