Muñoz Public Relations (MPR) is proud to announce Jonathan Palomar as the artistic director for the 29th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza. The Mariachi Extravaganza hosts the most competitive mariachi competitions in the U.S. and is one of the largest and most important mariachi music festivals in the world.
Jonathan toured as a vocalist and guitarist with Mariachi Vargas Tecalitlán from 2017–2023. For the past seven years, he performed to sold-out audiences throughout the world, toured with Luis Miguel on his México por Siempre tour, and rose to the pinnacle of the mariachi genre as one of the lead vocalists and guitarists with Mexico’s premiere ensemble. Jonathan is one of the most beloved and iconic mariachi musicians today and descends from a legendary musical family in Mexico. His father, Rafael Palomar, was a vocalist and guitarist with Mariachi Vargas for 23 years (1980–2003) and his grandfather, the legendary bandleader Román Palomar, is best known as the author of the famous cumbia “El Mariachi Loco.”
Jonatha last performed at the Mariachi Extravaganza in 2021.
“Jonathan represents the highest standard of excellence in mariachi music and symbolizes what the Mariachi Extravaganza is all about: culture, music, tradition and performance excellence,” says Cynthia Muñoz, president of Muñoz Public Relations and producer of the Mariachi Extravaganza. “His impressive credentials and talent will help take mariachi music to the next level as we experience significant growth of mariachi music programs throughout the nation. His vision will also help take the Mariachi Extravaganza into its 30th anniversary in 2024,” she added.
Jonathan’s official role as the Mariachi Extravaganza’s artistic director starts August 1. Planning for the upcoming event will begin immediately in preparation for student group and vocal registrations which begin September 1. Jonathan is taking a year-long sabbatical from performing with Mariachi Vargas but will continue to work for them on special projects as he works to grow the Mariachi Extravaganza’s impact on mariachi music worldwide.
Jonathan selected San Antonio as his new home because of it’s central location in Texas and because the state has the largest number of students enrolled in school-based mariachi music programs in the U.S. He’ll utilize his expertise to support the growth of mariachi music programs in schools. Jonathan will provide in-person and online consultation, workshops, tutorials and master classes for school districts, non-profits and colleges and universities.
On August 2, Jonathan will conduct a master class for mariachi music educators at Edgewood ISD through a program spearheaded by the University of Texas at San Antonio Professional and Continuing Education Department. This past week, Jonathan conducted workshops for the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s Mariachi Summer Camp. In November, he will spearhead workshops as part of Texas A&M University – San Antonio’s CULTIVAR Department of Education arts education grant initiative and will help expand the Mariachi Extravaganza Summer Camp in 2024.
“Jonathan is in the right place at the right time as we experience another growth spurt in mariachi music education,” says Muñoz. “Mariachi music programs in schools are successful because they engage Hispanic youth in performing arts programs that speak to the culture and traditions of our Mexican and Mexican American heritage. Mariachi music helps us dig deep into our roots and gives us a better understanding of who we are. It’s proven to have positive effects on self-esteem among Latino youth which often leads to positive academic performance,” Muñoz added.
We extend a huge warm welcome to San Antonio to Jonathan and Rocio on behalf of the entire Mariachi Extravaganza community!!
Make plans to attend the 29th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza November 30 – December 2, 2023. Tickets are on sale now for the Mariachi Extravaganza concert on Saturday, December 2 at ticketmaster.com. The concert will feature Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán and Mariachi Extravaganza competition winners. Competition registration opens on September 1 at mariachimusic.com. Hotel reservations can be made at the Grand Hyatt or the Emily Morgan hotels.
