BIO:
One of the legendary groups of traditional Mexican music is Mariachi Vargas. As a group, Mariachi Vargas has been in existence for well over 100 years. The dedication of its members has been extraordinary. The group has been populated with career musicians, some who have remained with Mariachi Vargas for over 40 years, mastering their instruments and musical styles. The group has recorded hundreds of albums, and has appeared in film as well as accompanying many solo artists at their venues and on their recordings. The first generation of Mariachi Vargas started out in the small Mexican city of Tecalitlan. Mariachi Vargas was founded by Don Gaspar Vargas in l897. Vargas played the golpe (or mariachera). The wooden harp was played by Manuel Mendoza, and two violins played by Lino Quintero and Refugio Hernandez. With these instruments, "Sonido Tecalitlan" was established.
In the 100 years since its foundation, the group has gone through some major changes. While there was some departure from the tradition during that time, the group has maintained its roots through the playing of traditional Mexican sones.
In 1997, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan celebrated its first 100 years of foundation.
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