Students and alumni representing the 31st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza traveled to Detroit earlier this month where they opened for the world-renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán at the historic Detroit Opera House on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Representing the Mariachi Extravaganza were Texas State University’s Mariachi Nueva Generación along with Grand Champion Vocal Winner Allyson Contador and 1st place College/University Vocal Winner Isabella Gonzalez. As part of a three-day residency program, the award-winning artists performed at elementary schools, participated in media interviews, and performed on one of the most prestigious stages in the United States.
Here is what they had to say about their unforgettable experience in Detroit.
Cynthia Muñoz: What impressed you most about the city?
Miguel Guzman, Texas State University, Associate Professor of Instruction:
“Three decades ago, during my visit to Detroit, the city was dealing with a significant economic decline. However, in my recent return, I was amazed by the remarkable transformation that has taken place. The revitalization of Detroit, accompanied by a renewed sense of vibrancy and vitality among its residents, was truly inspiring.
Notably, 82.7 percent of the city’s population identifies as African American. Observing how a historically marginalized community has not only taken on a leadership role in the city’s resurgence, but also reshaped it as a majority demographic, was profoundly moving.”
Cynthia Muñoz: What was one of your most memorable experiences while in Detroit?
Miguel Guzman:
“My most memorable experience in Detroit was witnessing mariachi music performed on a grand stage, particularly at the Detroit Opera House. This venue is a coveted aspiration for prominent mariachi leaders.
The dream of Nati Cano was to elevate the mariachi ensemble from local cantinas to prestigious stages where the beauty of mariachi music could be fully appreciated. Witnessing performances by Mariachi Vargas and Mariachi Nueva Generación felt like the realization of that dream.”
Cynthia Muñoz: What were some of the comments you heard from concertgoers?
Miguel Guzman:
“Many audience members, especially at the elementary schools, shared their excitement about experiencing a full mariachi ensemble for the first time. Preserving this tradition is essential, which means ensuring the presence of at least five violins, two trumpets, a complete rhythm section, including the harp, and of course, performing in the elegant traje de charro.
It is equally important for us to take on the responsibility of educating audiences about this rich cultural heritage.”
Cynthia Muñoz: What was your favorite part of the community outreach?
Miguel Guzman:
“My favorite moment was bringing the joy of music to everyone and sharing a meal together. There’s something truly special about sitting down, breaking bread, and forming deeper connections with one another.”
Cynthia Muñoz: What are you most grateful for?
Miguel Guzman:
“I am deeply grateful for my health and my family, as they are the foundation that enables me to pursue what I love most in life.”
Cynthia Muñoz: What was the highlight of the trip?
Miguel Guzman:
“The highlight of the trip was witnessing our students’ remarkable growth within such a short period during the presentations, interviews, and performances, as well as supporting the vocalists.
Cynthia Muñoz: Isabella, what was a highlight for you during this trip?
Isabella Gonzalez, 1st Place C/U Vocals, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley:
“This was a really great experience for me. During the concert, I was singing ‘Viva México.’ When the audience responded with ‘¡Viva!’, it sounded like an entire soccer stadium. Their response was magnified because the acoustics inside the opera house were so incredible.
When the audience sang, clapped, or shouted gritos, we could feel their energy and emotion because of the state-of-the-art acoustics. Allyson and I slipped out into the lobby during intermission, and so many people immediately surrounded us wanting to take pictures. We could barely move.
It was one of the most fun and memorable experiences for me because people expressed how much they loved our performances. They complimented us on how professional we were and how much they loved our Vestidos Mexicanos.”
Cynthia Muñoz: Allyson, what was the highlight of the trip for you?
Allyson Contador, Grand Champion Vocal Winner, McAllen:
“The highlight of my trip was definitely doing interviews. I participated in a Spanish language interview with La Tremenda Radio and an English language television interview with “Live in the D” on Channel 4 with Isabella and Arthur White, Director of External Affairs, with the Detroit Opera. It was so much fun to speak with people and practice my Spanish outside of conversations with my family.
I’m glad people got to know more about me, why I do what I do, and hear about my beliefs and the God who created me for a purpose in this world. Opportunities and doors were opened with each interview, and it makes me excited to see what the Lord has planned for me in the future — especially seeing the support from such a beautiful city like Detroit.”
Detroit Embraces Mariachi Music
Jennifer Melick, Communications and Media Relations Manager for the Detroit Opera, shared her appreciation following the performance:
“The concert was truly exhilarating, and as I’m sure you witnessed firsthand, the audience left with a deep appreciation for the experience, culture, and emotion that filled the Detroit Opera House throughout the evening.
The performance not only showcased world-class artistry, but also reinforced how important the Opera House continues to be as a cultural destination for Detroit and the broader Latino community throughout Michigan and the Midwest.”
Jennifer also shared media coverage from the event published by LPL Newswire.
“The Crowd Loved Every Moment”
Cynthia Muñoz also expressed gratitude to Arthur White and the Detroit team for creating a memorable experience for the students.
“Some people were surprised how everyone in the entire audience sang throughout the show. When the audience joined in, it sounded like one huge chorus. The crowd loved every moment and didn’t want to leave when it was over. No one moved. They clapped, they sang, and they gave the students and Vargas a standing ovation. The Mexican Consulate was present, along with sponsors and VIP guests, and everyone had a fabulous time!”
“A Truly Life-Changing Experience”
Cirilo Campos, Associate Professor of Practice and Director of Latin Music Studies at Texas State University, reflected on the impact of the trip:
“This experience was truly life-changing for our Texas State University students. The opportunity to engage in community outreach performances and connect with children and families throughout Detroit touched our hearts in ways we will never forget.
Seeing the joy and inspiration that mariachi music brought to those communities reminded us of the power of music, culture, and education. Performing at the Detroit Opera House was the icing on the cake.”
This trip was made possible through a collaborative initiative with the Detroit Opera House, The Mariachi Extravaganza and Texas State University in San Marcos. I’d also like to thank McAllen High School and La Familia Gonzalez for their support! Together everyone accomplishes more!
Throughout the past 31 years of the Mariachi Extravaganza, we have taken winners to perform throughout the country in places like Ann Arbor, Michigan; Ashland, Oregon; Atlanta, Georgia and Quad Cities, Illinois. It’s always a very special treat and something that is truly impactful. We’re always looking for these types of opportunities that present new opportunities for participants.
