Mariachi Extravaganza de Santa Fe September 8, 2010

SANTA FE--Mexico's premier mariachi group, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, representing a century of tradition, will take the stage to celebrate
the 298th Fiesta de Santa Fe at the annual Mariachi Extravaganza at 7:30 pm, Wednesday, Sept. 8 at The Santa Fe Opera.
The acclaimed mariachi is considered the best in the world, said Herman Lovato, President of Santa Fe Fiesta Inc., the event's producer. This will be the legendary group's first appearance in Santa Fe.
The most important group in the history of mariachi music, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, was founded in 1898 by four visionary musicians, including Gaspar Vargas, the namesake of the venerated mariachi in Tecalitlán, Jalisco. In the 1930s, its leadership was taken over by his son, Silvestre Vargas, considered the greatest mariachi organizer and visionary of all time.
The majority of influential musicians in the mariachi genre have passed through Mariachi Vargas' ranks, including arranger Rubén Fuentes and trumpet player Miguel Martinez.
The Mariachi Vargas organization, currently in its fifth generation, has accompanied some of Mexico's top performers, notably Juan Gabriel, Pedro Infante, Amalia Mendoza, Miguel Aceves Mejia, Lola Beltan, and Jose Alfredo Jimenez. They have starred in more than 100 movies.
Over the years, the musicians changed but the group's impact on mariachi music hasn't, said Lovato. Today's Mariachi Vargas, directed by Jose Pepe Martinez and Maestro Ruben Fuentes, was recently featured on the PBS documentary Mariachi Music: The Heartland of Mexico.
No refunds or cancellations. Order tickets by phone 986-5900 or 1-800-280-4654. Bring a tailgate supper and enjoy the sunset while you dine before the show.

Official Website: http://www.santafefiesta.org