The Mariachi Extravaganza Las Vegas returns to the Entertainment Capital of the World for a full day of music, culture, and world-class performances at the UNLV Performing Arts Center. The evening concert on March 28th at 7:30PM will feature none other than Jonathan Palomar, vocalist and guitarist with the legendary Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. Joined by Mariachi Revolución from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Palomar will perform music from his newly released single “Antes de Ti,” along with beloved Vicente Fernández and José Alfredo Jiménez classics and contemporary favorites that promise to bring the house down.
The star power continues with special guest Cecilia Violetta Lopez, General Director and CEO of Opera Las Vegas and an internationally recognized soprano named one of Opera News’ “25 Rising Stars.” Praised by The Washington Post for her “alluring voice and incredible range,” Lopez brings a remarkable journey from singing mariachi as a child to leading roles on prestigious opera stages.
Also taking the stage are the first-place winners of the Mariachi Extravaganza Las Vegas Group and Vocal competitions, where top student performers from across the region compete before distinguished collegiate judges including Cirilo Campos of Texas State University and Greg Cavasos of the University of Texas at Austin. These elite young winners earn medals, scholarships, bragging rights, and the unforgettable opportunity to open for Jonathan Palomar on a major university concert stage.
Making her inaugural appearance at Mariachi Extravaganza Las Vegas is Jackelyn Barrera, the 2014 Mariachi Extravaganza Grand Champion Vocal Winner selected by members of Mariachi Vargas in San Antonio. Now a Las Vegas mariachi educator at Cannon Junior High School, Barrera will perform alongside Mariachi Nuestras Raíces under the direction of Jose Gonzalez. The ensemble has performed nationwide and even appeared live on Netflix during the Canelo vs. Crawford fight in Las Vegas in 2023.
The Mariachi Extravaganza Las Vegas is more than a concert — it’s a full mariachi music festival featuring highly competitive school-based group and vocal competitions on Saturday, March 28 from 9AM–5PM, followed by the grand finale evening concert at 7:30PM inside the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall at the UNLV Performing Arts Center, located at 4505 Maryland Parkway on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus. Back by popular demand, the event celebrates the rich tradition of mariachi music while supporting music education, cultural preservation, and artistic excellence. Concert and competition tickets are on sale now and available online or through the UNLV Box Office. Presenting sponsors include KHS America Alianza Académica and The Garcia-Udall Family Foundation, with additional support from JP Morgan Bank and the Tuttleman Foundation.
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Click here for competition tickets!
For ticket information, call the UNLV Box Office at 702-895-2787. For more general information email cynthia@mariachimusic.com or call Stephen Blanco at 586-718-2248. We look forward to seeing you in Vegas Saturday, March 28th!!!
The Mariachi Extravaganza Las Vegas is a collaborative initiative between UNLV School of Music and MPR (Muñoz Public Relations) – producers of the 32nd Annual Mariachi Extravaganza in San Antonio, Texas.
