For many years, Miguel Guevara’s love for music, culture and community was shared with all who were part of the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza family. He wore several hats throughout the 26-year history of the music festival he loved so much. At times, he could be seen as the master of ceremonies for some of the mariachi group and vocal competitions. On other occasions, he would act as a bodyguard backstage for Mariachi Vargas members. Miguel had profound respect and love for Mariachi Vargas and for the many artists who participated in the Extravaganza throughout the years. He especially admired the vast talent of the many students who took part in the event, and he deeply enjoyed all that the festival had to offer in terms of performance, competitions, community support and camaraderie.

Miguel Guevara was born in 1958 in Karnes City and raised on a ranch in McCoy. He passed peacefully in San Antonio on December 15, 2020 at the age of 62. In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a scholarship fund to help us remember an individual who gave so much of himself to something he felt was one of life’s greatest gifts. That gift was the music and talent that moved him so greatly. The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza meant so much to him, and he would have been happy to know that there will be a scholarship in his name awarded to mariachi students and winners of the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza National Vocal Competition for years to come. Donations to the Miguel Guevara Memorial Scholarship Fund can be made here.

Miguel is survived by his wife of 23 years, Sandra Muñoz-Guevara, stepson Oscar Javier Vela, father Margarito Guevara, sister Margie Guevara-Clark, in-laws Jesús and Irma Muñoz, and sister-in-law Cynthia Muñoz, as well as seven nieces and nephews.

Recuerdos

“Quiero recordar a un hermoso ser humano que acaba de dejar este mundo. Sólo puedo decir que conservo nada más que bellos recuerdos de San Antonio, Texas en mi época con Mariachi Vargas y en mi etapa como solista. Pues en gran parte de esas giras de trabajo, Miguel Guevara me brindó sus mejores atenciones, pero sobre todo, su gran y valiosa amistad que hacía mi estancia en aquella ciudad muy placentera y muy feliz”. 

—Steeven Sandoval

“Miguel was a beautiful, genuine and kind soul. Somehow we always “got” each other’s sense of humor and he was a good friend to many. He cared about others, but most especially Sandra, above all else. He was always making sure she was taken care of.”

—Nydia Melchor

“Miguel was a lovable teddy bear of a man with a heart of gold and a sense of humor like no other. Whenever I needed cheering up, I would call him and he would inevitably raise my spirits. I will miss him profoundly.

—Jonathan Clark

“Miguel was a sincere, humble and funny person who was a good and loving husband. He worked with a lot of people while DJ’ing, and it was surprising when I heard him on KEDA radio for the first time. He was co-host of the MariachiMusic.com Live show and had a natural gift for entertaining people. He paired up well with Cynthia because she was the serious one and he was the one who made people laugh. He liked to talk when he had a microphone in his hand, and was compassionate and caring, and a joy to listen to.”

—Josie Benavidez, Wonder Woman

“Miguel was a man of few words with great work ethic, a mischievous sense of humor and a dedication to a cause he was so proud to be a part of. He loved his five godchildren whom he christened, and he is beloved by his mariachi kids. They knew him as “Papa Miguel,” which filled his heart with so much love, pride and recognition.”

—His Rosita

“Miguel was always a protector and guardian angel who God put in my life for a bigger reason than to just be family.  He taught me to be strong, work hard and to always count my blessings.  I always saw him as a big papa bear who wouldn’t say much but would say his words through his actions.”

—Sebastien de la Cruz