After more than 30 years of celebrating the finest mariachi talent in the world, the iconic San Antonio-based Mariachi Extravaganza music festival is bringing its highly anticipated competitions to UNLV. The nation’s top school-based mariachi groups and vocalists will battle for the title of reigning champions at the inaugural Mariachi Extravaganza Las Vegas – West Coast Region.
Through a collaborative effort between the UNLV School of Music and MPR, producers of the Mariachi Extravaganza, talented young artists from across the country will compete for top honors, prizes, and a coveted spot in the prestigious Mariachi Extravaganza Concert.
Stephen Blanco, UNLV’s mariachi instructor and longtime participant of the Mariachi Extravaganza, played a key role in bringing the festival to Las Vegas to support the city’s rapidly growing school-based mariachi music programs. Clark County School District leads the nation with the highest number of students enrolled in mariachi music programs, boasting 8,200 participants. Additionally, a growing number of colleges and universities, including UNLV and the College of Southern Nevada, now offer mariachi music instruction on campus.
“It’s important that our students from Las Vegas develop as young artists by having the opportunity to compete against the best schools in the country,” says Blanco. “Students from Las Vegas will compete against students from California, Texas, Arizona, and other parts of the U.S., where they will have the opportunity to win scholarships, prizes, and a chance to perform at the Mariachi Extravaganza grand finale concert.”
The Competition and Concert
The inaugural Mariachi Extravaganza Las Vegas attracts some of the best mariachi groups and vocalists in the nation. Award-winning groups from South Texas will go head-to-head with top artists from 20 cities across the country. Ten thousand dollars in prizes, scholarships, and grants will be awarded to competition winners.
The event will culminate in a spectacular concert featuring competition winners and Jonathan Palomar as the headliner. Formerly a key member of the world-renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Palomar’s powerful voice and emotional depth have made him a beloved figure in mariachi music across the globe. Hailing from Mexico City, he brings authenticity and passion to every note, promising a performance that will leave audiences breathless. Accompanying Palomar is UNLV’s own Mariachi Revolución, making their debut performance on the big stage.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Location: UNLV Performing Arts Center, Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, Las Vegas, Nevada
Mariachi Group and Vocal Competitions
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Mariachi Extravaganza Concert
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Tickets to the two events are also available at the UNLV Performing Arts Center box office or by calling 702-895-ARTS (2787).
Sponsors and Support
The presenting sponsor of the Mariachi Extravaganza Las Vegas is KHS America Academic Alliance (KHS America Alianza Académica), based in Nashville, Tennessee. The company’s 19 brands, which include Jupiter Trumpets, Jimenez Guitars and Hohner Accordions, help provide schools with the resources they need to develop strong music programs. The Mariachi Plug is a supporting sponsor.
About the UNLV College of Fine Arts
The College of Fine Arts educates, empowers, and engages creative people to become visionary change-makers in the arts through acts of imagination. At UNLV we believe the arts are an essential good for society. We make education relevant and accessible through our programs and outreach. We create new knowledge in the arts. We celebrate independent thought and the power of bringing people together to foster creativity.
