Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlán May 11, 2008

On Sunday, May 11 at 6pm the Million Dollar Theater will celebrate Mother’s Day with a one-time performance by MARIACHI VARGAS DE TECALITLÁN.

The three-hour-show will include an in-person tribute to HERIBERTO MOLINA, ex lead-vocalist of the Mariachi Vargas (from 1952 to 1983) who will receive the Million Dollar Theater Award in recognition of his work as performer, and teacher, of Mexican music.

The award will be given by composer MARTÍN BECERRA, who has served as MC of the Million Dollar Theater since 1950.

MARIACHI VARGAS DE TECALITLÁN is a Mariachi group that was founded in Tecalitlán, Jalisco (Mexico) by Gaspar Vargas in 1898. In 1928, his son Silvestre Vargas took over control of the group. Over time, the group has recorded albums, starred in over 200 movies, and performed all over the world. They have collaborated with many artists, among them Linda Ronstadt. The group is based in Mexico City. They are known as "El Mejor Mariachi Del Mundo" or in English, "The Best Mariachi in The World." They left a great influence on Mariachi style itself by learning and playing more of a classical style. This was started by Rubén Fuentes, a classical violinist who joined the group in 1944 to help improve their presentation, sound, and understanding of music.

MARIACHI VARGAS is composed by Rubén Fuentes (Director/Producer, 1944), José "Pepe" Martínez (Musical Director Musical/Violin, 1975), Alberto Alfaro (Violin, 2000), Gustavo Alvarado (Trumpet, 1991), Victor Cárdenas (Vihuela guitar, 1960), Enrique de Santiago (Big guitar, 1989), Julio Martínez Sr. (Harp, 1996), José Martínez Jr. (Violin, 1993), Daniel Martínez (Violin, 2000), Steeven Sandoval (Violin, 1998), Federico Torres (Trumpet, 1966), Arturo Vargas (Guitar, 2003), Miguel Núñez and Andrés González (Violin).

The MILLION DOLLAR THEATER AWARD has been reestablished as a means to recognize the talent of artists that have performed on its stage. Heriberto Molina will be the first recipient of the award in this new historic phase of the MD.

HERIBERTO MOLINA, a native of Jalisco (Mexico), began his career in 1950 with Mariachi Chapala in Mexicali, lasting until 1952 when he was discovered by Rubén Fuentes, then violinist and arranger of the Mariachi Vargas. Regarding his relationship with the MV, Molina declared, “The musical heights of the mariachi music is owed to Ruben Fuentes who salvaged it from its lethargic state, by teaching its musicians how to play and adapt innovative arrangements under his direction. In doing so, Fuentes created the prototype of what mariachi groups were to come.”

In 1983, Molina retired from the MV with a final presentation at the Million Dollar Theater. At 77, Molina, whose nickname is "El Cura" or "The Priest" because he studied for the priesthood before turning into a professional singer, is in strong demand as vocal coach of present and future generations of mariachi performers that attend his Mexican School of Voice (Escuela Mexicana de Canto) in Pico Rivera, CA.

The show will include performances by Mariachi Mujer 2000, Gilberto Sanchez, Grandeza Mexicana Ballet Folklorico and Melinda.

For tickets / group rates contact Robert Voskanian at (213) 617-3600 or visit www.milliondollartheater.com

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