The 28th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza serves host to the largest, longest running and most competitive National mariachi group, vocal and original songwriting competitions in the world. The Extravaganza provides a platform to promote higher education and cultural preservation among Hispanic youth. The event attracts over one thousand of the most talented mariachi musicians and vocalists from the U.S and culminates in a concert.  The competition winners and featured artist, Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán, will perform at this year’s Extravaganza. The fifteen-member ensemble is made up of highly accomplished musicians and vocalists who perform traditional rancheras, sones, huapangos, boleros and classically influenced favorites that represent their family tradition.  Over the course of five decades, Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán has risen to the top of the mariachi world, frequently performing for the most prestigious events and with the greatest singers and symphony orchestras.  The group was originally founded in Guadalajara in 1965 by brothers José “Pepe” Martínez, Sr. (1941-2016) and Fernando Martínez, Sr. (1946-1998). Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán performs under the musical direction of Fernando Martínez Jr., joined by three family members including his brothers Ángel and Alex and his youngest son Luis Fernando.