'Noche de Gala' to support growth of Feria del Mariachi

By T.C. Sprencel
University News Service
March 31, 2010

The Texas State University-San Marcos School of Music will host the first “Noche de Gala” Friday, April 23 from 6-10 p.m. at the Embassy Suites San Marcos Conference Center. Proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships for mariachi students, as well as the annual “Feria del Mariachi,” set to take place April 30-May 1.

Tickets for “Noche de Gala” are $50 and open to the public. Event coordinators encourage local businesses and residents to purchase tickets in support of mariachi growth and awareness. Attendees will be treated to cocktails starting at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and entertainment, and a silent auction will begin at 8 p.m. to finish the gala.

“The Texas State mariachi program is asking area businesses to help support the growth of ‘Feria del Mariachi’ by purchasing tickets to the gala,” said Noemi Govea of Texas State’s Special Projects Office. “Every year the festival grows quite a bit, and we are sure that this year's event will be a wonderful experience for students and visitors from all over the nation.”

“Feria del Mariachi” is a two-day festival in which students from middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities are invited to participate in ensemble competitions and concerts. The event also features other guests and performers, including a world-renowned mariachi artist to whom the “La Voz de Oro” lifetime achievement award is presented.

For more information, please contact Noemi Govea at (512) 245-2368, or via email at ng02@txstate.edu.