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TPAC Presents: Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan

Presented by Tennessee Performing Arts Center, TPAC at TPAC - Andrew Jackson Hall

October 17, 2009

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Founded in 1897, the rich history of the 13-piece ensemble (featured on Grammy Award-winning recordings by Linda Ronstadt and Luis Miguel) includes 70 albums recorded from1937 to 2008 and appearances in 200 Mexican films. The world-famous, multi-generational band has toured extensively throughout Latin America and the United States. The first, widely successful mariachi band in Mexico, the ensemble created hundreds of classic arrangements of songs, influencing future generations of performers and establishing a high standard of performing the music. Honoring centuries-old traditions of Latin American musical styles-sones, ranchero, huapangos, boleros and more-the band continues to evolve with accomplished artists who display a mastery of rhythms. Original arrangements spotlight every musician in the group like a soloist on the guitar, harp, viheula, guitarron, trumpet and violin. Dating back to their early years, the ensemble continues to wear traditional charro suits and wide-brimmed hats.

Historically, Mariachi Vargas contributed to the growth of national identity following the Mexican Revolution. In 1934, they appeared at the induction ceremony of President Lazaro Cardenas, who hired them as the official band of the Police Department of Mexico City, where they played in the parks and gardens of the capitol for two consecutive decades. By the 1950s, Mariachi Vargas became a complete, adaptable orchestra with the ability to retain its traditional base while also assimilating new musical ideas and styles. In fact, the history of mariachi music can be traced by listening to the recordings of Vargas-an anthology of Mexican folk music.