Feria del Mariachi celebrates 20th anniversary at Texas State

The Latin Music Studies program at Texas State University, along with the Mermaid Society SMTX, will host the 20th annual Feria del Mariachi on Saturday, May 4.

The festival begins with a mariachi competition at 9 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony at 3 p.m. and a matinee concert 3:30 p.m. The festival concludes with a public concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, 405 Moon Street.

To celebrate Feria del Mariachi's 20th anniversary, Texas State’s mariachi band, , Mariachi Nueva Generacion, will premier an original stage production titled, "Soy Mexicano." Written by Pedro Moreno, Michelle Quintero and John Lopez, "Soy Mexicano" follows two Mexican-American high school seniors as they visit Mexico for the first time. Their grandparents came to the U.S. from Mexico decades earlier, seeking greater opportunities for their children. Growing up in the United States, the students had minimal exposure to Mexico and its culture, and this visit marks their first encounter with the music and dance of Mexico.

Established in 1997, Mariachi Nueva Generación has become a leader among university mariachi bands in Texas. The group maintains a busy touring schedule and engages students from all over Texas in workshops and clinics.

In addition to the Mariachi Nueva Generación, the concert will feature special appearances by Mariachi Lince Oro, Mia Gonzales, Sebastien de la Cruz and charro Jerry Diaz.

General admission is $20, and child/senior admission is $14. Tickets are available online through txstatepresents.com. Promo code FERIA10 may be used at checkout for 10 percent off.

Feria del Mariachi seeks to promote mariachi education and culture in schools and the community by exposing students to successful figures in the mariachi community and providing them a chance to meet other young musicians.

For more information, visit www.feriadelmariachitxst.weebly.com.