The College of Southern Nevada’s Mariachi Plata music won top honors for the third year in a row at the 2023 Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza in San Antonio, Texas. The competition took place this past weekend. Additionally, student and member of Mariachi Plata Yasmine Dueñes was named the Overall Grand Champion vocalist at the same competition.
Considered the most prestigious of all mariachi competitions, Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza saw CSN compete against long-established mariachi programs from the top schools in the country. Mariachi Plata began competing in 2019.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mariachi Plata and the CSN Department of Fine Arts for their remarkable achievement in winning the National Mariachi University and College championship for the third consecutive year,” said CSN President Dr. Federico Zaragoza. “Their dedication and artistry inspires all of us at CSN, and they are the pride of the Latino and Mexican-American community in Southern Nevada. The Mariachi Plata experience transcends the musical experience, they are a reminder of the diverse cultural tapestry that binds Southern Nevada together.”
CSN Mariachi Plata will perform at 7 p.m., Wednesday, December 13 at the Horn Theater on the CSN North Las Vegas campus. The Las Vegas community is invited to attend! Tickets are available now, $8 general admission, $5 discount tickets available for students and seniors. Visit csntickets.universitytickets.com in advance or purchase at the box office.
About Mariachi Plata
Mariachi Plata is comprised of students from CSN mariachi music courses, as a part of the Fine Arts Music curriculum. CSN Department of Fine Arts Chair, Robert Bonora formed the group in 2019 and the group won the collegiate category of the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza festival just two years later in 2021.
About Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza
The Mariachi Extravaganza is a multi-day music festival celebrating the culture and history of Latin music annually in San Antonio, Texas. Now in its 28th consecutive year, the festival utilizes the mariachi music platform to promote higher education and cultural preservation among Hispanic youth. The festival hosts a concert with world-renowned musicians and winners of the highly competitive National group and vocal competitions.
