It’s official! The Guadalajara-city based Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán will serve as featured artists for the 28th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza at the Lila Cockrell Theatre in San Antonio on Friday, November 18, 2022.

Over the course of six decades, Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán has risen to the top of the mariachi world, frequently performing for the most prestigious events and with the greatest singers and symphony orchestras. The group was originally founded in Guadalajara in 1965 by the late brothers José “Pepe” Martínez, Sr. and Fernando Martínez, Sr. The fifteen-member ensemble is made up of highly accomplished musicians and vocalists who perform rancheras, sones, huapangos, boleros and classically influenced favorites that form part of the Martínez family tradition. Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán performs under the musical direction of Fernando Martínez, Jr., who is joined on stage by his brothers Ángel and Alex, and his son Luis Fernando. All are part of the Martínez legacy that spans nearly 60 years and over 4 generations. 

Trumpeters from all over the world enjoyed Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán’s performance of Tema/Fiesta Ranchera at the International Trumpet Guild Conference on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at the Lila Cockrell Theatre in San Antonio, Texas.

Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán members will also serve as judges in the 3 competitions held during the Mariachi Extravaganza: The Original Songwriting Competition, the National Vocal Competition and the highly competitive National Group Competitions. 

Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán’s participation in the Mariachi Extravaganza is part of our plan to open up the doors to showcase new artists. The rebranding will allow us to continue showcasing the greatest mariachi talent from both sides of the border and introduce new groups to our discerning mariachi aficionados.

Although Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán has been around for quite some time, this is the first time they will make an appearance by serving as headliners in the newly branded Mariachi Extravaganza. 

Another part of the plan and rebranding is to showcase more young talent. Opening acts will include winners from the Mariachi Extravaganza National Group and Vocal Competitions that will take place Thursday and Friday, November 17 and 18 also at the Lila Cockrell Theatre. Winners represent the best of the very best among student mariachi groups and vocalists from throughout the U.S. The competitions are often referred to as the largest gathering of the most talented mariachi musicians and vocalist in the country. The caliber of musicianship continuous to advance to all new levels among young artists resulting in performances that are awe-inspiring.

Mariachi Grulla de Plata won 2nd place in the National High School Group Competition during the MVE27. The group kicked off their memorable performance with a “Tema” into “Fiesta Charra” and ended with the powerful “México, Mi Nación” that featured solos from each instrument section and an incredible range of vocalists.

Although student performances has been a standard of the Extravaganza since the beginning, audiences can expect to enjoy more great student performances during the first half of the show. Competitions will be judged by members of Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán.

Registration to participate in the National Mariachi Group and Vocal competitions, and/or the original songwriting competition starts September 1. The deadline to submit an entry for the vocal competition and original songwriting competition is Oct 1. The deadline to register a group is October 16. 

CONCERT TICKETS

Presale starts Friday, August 26 at 10 am for mariachimusic.com subscribers. Purchase tickets here and use the passcode ME2022 and be the first to purchase tickets through Sunday, August 28. The official onsite date for tickets is Tuesday, August 30 at 10 am.

HOTEL INFORMATION

The Emily Morgan – a DoubleTree by Hilton –  is offering a special rate of $149 per night for 2 double beds (sleeps up to 4). This includes a complimentary warm breakfast buffet and a rehearsal room available on a first come first serve basis. The Emily Morgan is located at 705 E. Houston just .4 miles from the Lila Cockrell Theatre (there are shortcuts that can get you there in a shorter route and half the time). The real perk to staying at this hotel is the nice warm chocolate chip cookies available for free in the lobby :). Click here to book your room prior to the cut off date of 10/25/22 or call 210-244-0156 for help.

The Grand Hyatt is offering a hotel rate of $199 per night for 2 double beds (sleeps up to 4). Interested parties who plan to stay at this hotel at this rate must email Cynthia@mariachimusic by August 30. Please include the following information: Name, check in/check out date and note single or double. 

SPONSORS

Cano Health, H-E-B, and KHS America Academic Alliance return this year as the presenting sponsors of the Mariachi Extravaganza. Cano Health is based in Miami, Florida and has a huge presence in San Antonio with six senior health care clinics and one more opening soon. We are very grateful for Cano Health’s continuous support for the second year in a row. H-E-B has sponsored the Mariachi Extravaganza for many years and we appreciate their continuous support throughout the years. KHS America focuses on the enrichment of lives through music performance and education by providing high-quality musical instruments and services designed to support musicians, educators, and their retail partners.

OFFICIAL HASHTAGS

#ME28, #MariachiExtravaganza, #MESA

Be sure to register for the mariachimusic.com newsletter to receive updates and information on this year’s event which is only 12 weeks away!!!

We look forward to seeing everyone in San Antonio in November! To speak with someone in person, please contact 210-225-3353 or 210-860-9633.

A zoom call is scheduled for Saturday, September 10 at 9 am for MARIACHI DIRECTORS. This will be a great opportunity to run through the schedule of events and answer questions in regards to this year’s Extravaganza. MARIACHI DIRECTORS WHO HAVE REGISTERED THEIR GROUPS IN THE PAST TWO YEARS WILL AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE A Zoom Link so be sure to look out for this link. The link will be sent on Wednesday, September 7. If you have not registered your group in the past two years, and would like to be part of the call, please send an email to cynthia@mariachimusic.com with your name/school to be included. We welcome all new schools who are interested in participating in this year’s event. Thanks!