The long-awaited return and performance of the legendary Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) will take place Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the TAMIU Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are now on sale.
The performance, dubbed “México Creo en Ti,” is the capstone event of the two-day 6th International Mariachi Festival at TAMIU, which also attracts high school mariachi groups from across Texas for learning workshops with the members of Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán. Some 400+ students are registered to attend.
The Festival was not held in 2020 or 2021 in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Tickets are $50 and $45, and are available online at go.tamiu.edu/mariachitickets, or by phone by calling (956) 326-2273. They can also be purchased at TAMIU’s Bursar’s Office in the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, or at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Sponsors for the Festival include The Prairie Foundation and La Posada Hotel.
The Festival honors Renato Ramirez, one of Texas’ leading advocates for the preservation of cultural and historical treasures, including mariachi music, and a successful businessman, retired banker, and rancher.
Ramírez, a proud Zapata native, is the retired CEO and current Chairman of the Board, International Bank of Commerce-Zapata, one of the most profitable banks in South Texas. His professional career and life have been hallmarked by community engagement and lifelong giving. His advocacy of community groups ranging from Boys and Girls Clubs and Crimestoppers to LULAC and the Casa Hogar La Nueva Esperanza Orphanage, among others, has inspired many.
He received the Bernard and Audre Rapaport Philanthropy Award for Human Rights from the Texas Civil Rights Project in 2005, and was awarded the 2011 Latino Leadership Award for his contribution to Texas History and Culture by the Mexican American Legislative Caucus in 2011.
Ramírez is perhaps best known for his legendary leadership in establishing the Tejano Monument on the Capitol grounds in Austin. He spearheaded the initiative to construct the monument, which was sculpted by Laredoan Armando Hinojosa. The monument celebrates the contribution of Hispanics to Texas history. Ramirez raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, donated to its construction, and shepherded its 12-year journey, including the passage of three State laws making its completion possible.
Ramírez holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University, where he was a three-year letterman in wrestling. His MBA was earned at the University of Texas at Austin and doctoral studies were completed in finance and economics at the University of Tennessee.
Dr. Minita Ramírez, TAMIU vice president of Student Success, said Concert proceeds benefit TAMIU mariachi student scholarships.
“We are excited to once again welcome the world-renowned Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán to Laredo for the ‘México Creo en Ti Concert,’” Dr. Ramírez said, “After the challenges of the past few years, we are blessed to be able to again witness México’s traditional musical history live, right here in our city. We invite everyone to come and enjoy a beautiful evening of Mexico’s boleros, sones, rancheras, and melodies that evoke nostalgia, romance, and joy for audiences of all ages. Ticket proceeds will help fund student scholarships.”
She noted the Festival experience is also attractive to potential TAMIU students.
“Our hope is that students who attend the Festival and Concert will learn more about the rich culture and traditions of México’s music and get to experience University life, love it and return as TAMIU students,” Ramírez noted.
High schools participating in the Festival, which will include a performance opportunity with Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán, include Somerset High School, Sharyland High School, Martin High School, Zapata High School, Alexander High School, United High School, Cotulla High School, and Del Rio High School.
Also, San Marcos High School, Eagle Pass High School, United South High School, Nixon High School, Southwest High School, Southwest Legacy High School, and VMT Magnet School.
As part of the Festival experience, high school mariachi members will compete for Concert appearances with the Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán.
Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán, founded in 1965 by brothers Fernando Martínez Barajas and Pepe Martínez Barajas, has toured Europe, Latin America and the U.S. A second generation of musicians joined the 12-piece traditional Mexican group during the 1980s and 1990s — Fernando Martínez Jr., Angel Martínez, and Alejandro Martínez among them. In 1997, Fernando Martínez Arreguín and Angel Martínez Arreguín, sons of Don Fernando, became Tecalitlán’s Musical Director and General Manager.
For more information, contact the TAMIU Office of Student Success at 956.326.2273, or email mariachi@tamiu.edu
