International Mariachi Conference Takes Center Stage At NMSU

It’s the time of year when the halls of NMSU are filled with the sweet sound of mariachi music. The 18th annual Las Cruces international mariachi conference is back in town.

“It’s like a bass. It keeps everything together,” said guitarron player Adrian Cavazos. “Everybody notices. They’re like, ‘Hey what’s that?’ It’s a guitarron.”

The Fort Worth high schooler traveled 13 hours from his home to attend this weekend’s conference and to learn from mariachi masters like Randy Carrillo.

“I’m a guitarron player. I would not presume to instruct anything else,” said Carillo. A dedicated guitarron player since the age of 13, Carillo is the founder and director of music group Mariachi Cobre.

“When I’m playing, I’m performing,” said Carillo. “It’s an other worldly thing that I get to do.” Carillo said Mariachi Cobre was a founding element of the Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference.

For Carillo, the conference is an opportunity to mentor the next generation of guitarron greats. “There’s always the same story about the new generation coming up to carry on the folk tradition, and it is,” said Cardillo.

The Student Showcase was Friday from 7:30 p.m. 9:45 p.m. at the Pan American Center.

The concert spectacular will feature Mariachi Cobre, mariachi legend Vicki Carr and many other talented mariachi performers. The spectacular begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and will also be held in the Pan American Center.