Texas State hosts 6th Annual Festival del Mariachi

Date of Release: 04/28/2005

Mariachi bandSAN MARCOS—The 6th Annual Festival del Mariachi Concert will be held 7 p.m. Sunday, May 1 in Strahan Coliseum at Texas State University-San Marcos.

This year’s concert brings three of the best mariachi performances in Texas: Trio San Antonio de Chepe Solis; Mariachi Nuevo Chapultepec, returning this year by popular demand; and of course, Texas State’s own award-winning mariachi ensemble Nueva Generación. Popular San Antonio comic Oscar Zamora will also be there with his side-kick Don Chema.

More than 250 student participants will be on campus during the weekend for two days of instructional seminars focusing on various aspects of the mariachi musical art form. Everything from personalized instruction on the various instruments used in mariachi music and vocal technique to stage presence, arrangement and the traditions of mariachi are included in the two-day event. Participants come from high schools, middle schools and community colleges around the state.

The weekend is organized by John Lopez, a professor in the School of Music as well as Director of Multicultural Music Ensembles. Additional help was provided by the members of Mariachi Nueva Generación.

Texas State students may purchase tickets at the door for $5 with a university ID the night of the concert. Tickets ($15 for preferred seating, $10 regular seating) for all others may be purchased in advance at San Marcos HEB stores or at the door the night of the concert.