Registration for the 27th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza (MVE) Original Songwriting Competition is now open. Those of you with a creative spirit will definitely want to read on for details about this year’s event. 

The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza serves host to three important competitions: the National Mariachi Group Competition, National Mariachi Vocal Competition and the Original Songwriting Competition. Although the deadline for the vocal competition has passed, registration for the group competition is open through November 15. And, this year, we’re enhancing the original songwriting competition by offering finalists the opportunity to perform on stage at the Lila Cockrell Theatre in front of a panel of highly esteemed judges for cash prizes, bragging rights and, ideally, an opportunity to record. 

As we all know, in order to advance as a mariachi community, we must produce original work. This has been the focus of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán in 2021 with the release of their latest single “Enamórame Otra Vez,” which has captivated audiences through social media, interviews and recent live performances. And, ’tis the season for Latin Grammy nominees, which have just recently been announced. Works of artists ranging from longtime favorites like Vicente Fernández to up-and-comers like Pike Romero and Nora Gonzalez have just been announced in the category of BEST RANCHERO/MARIACHI ALBUM.  So, the timing could not be better for the topic on hand.

The first step in submitting your entry is to send an MP3 or MP4 file, along with the lyrics, to cynthia@mariachimusic.com, and fill out the competition registration form at mariachimusic.com by the November 1 deadline. Finalists will then have the opportunity to have their original song heard on stage at the Lila Cockrell Theatre on Friday, December 3 during the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza workshops starting at 12 noon. We’re excited to transition this competition from a pre-recorded audio file to a live stage performance for several reasons. It gives the original songwriter exposure and the opportunity to gauge the response from a live audience. It also allows for feedback from professionals in the industry, which can help them grow as a songwriter. 

So, here are some questions you may have about the competition:

Is there a cost to submit an entry? 

Yes. The cost is $25 per song.  

How many songs can I submit? 

You can submit as many songs as you’d like. 

Do I have to be registered for the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza workshops and competitions in order to submit an entry into the original songwriting competition? 

Yes. You may register here or in the link above. The original songwriting competition is open to anyone interested in submitting an original song. However, if you are selected as a finalists, you must be available to perform your song live, or have someone perform your song. 

How are finalists selected? 

Experts in the recording industry will help narrow down the entries to the top finalists. 

When will finalists be announced? 

Finalists will be announced on November 18 on mariachimusic.com and on the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Facebook page. 

When and where will the performance take place?

Finalists will perform on Friday, December 3, at 12 noon at the Lila Cockrell Theatre. Check-in time for performers is at 11 am in the lobby of the Lila Cockrell Theatre. 

Who are the judges? 

Judges will be announced soon. 

Is the competition open to the public? 

You may invite family and friends to cheer you on. Workshops will be taking place inside the Lila Cockrell Theatre on Friday, December 3. Doors will open to non-registrants at 11:45 am for the competition that will begin at noon and end at 1 pm. 

How many winners will be selected and when will they be announced? 

First, second and third place winners will be selected and announced following the competition. 

Who maintains the rights to the song? 

You maintain the rights to your song. 

If you have additional questions, feel free to give us a call. We’re excited to expand this competition that has been in and out of the MVE for many years. 

On another note, please remember that October 15 is the early deadline to register for the MVE. Rates will increase after this date. Your early registration helps tremendously with the planning, as we all continue maneuvering around the Covid situation and doing our part to ensure that this year’s MVE is the best ever, while keeping SAFETY FOR ALL as our number one priority. 

Please feel free to call us anytime at 210-860-9633.