MARIACHI LAS ALTEÑAS
Texas' Finest All-Female Mariachi
When you hear mariachis you often think
of the deep powerful sound of a man's voice, but if you listen
closely to Mariachi Las Alteñas you'll hear they are strumming, singing and
dancing to a different key. Mariachi Las Alteñas is an
all female mariachi group that is making waves across the United
States. Under the direction of Valerie Vargas, this prestigious
mariachi consists of 13 members, ages ranging from 18 to 26.
Las Alteñas has a complete instrumentation which includes
6 violins, 3 trumpets, and 4 armonias, creating a full all female
mariachi sound acknowledged in the industry.
Many spectators are impressed with not only the musicianship,
but also with the groups stage presence. Choreography plays
a major role in the groups performances as does interacting
with the audience. The groups philosophy is not simply to sing
a song, but rather interpret a song and share that meaning
with the audience. This approach has spectators clapping and
cheering for more after each performance.
Celebrating over two years as "Texas' Finest All Female
Mariachi", Las Alteñas is already considered one
of the genre's premier all female groups. Their name is taken
from the mountainous area in Jalisco, Mexico. "Son de los
altos de Jalisco." Las Alteñas are from an area described
as being near the top of the world, and fans say these ladies
are up there! Las Alteñas have built quite a name for
themselves and have performed all around the country. In May
of 2003 they became the first all female mariachi group from
Texas to perform at the Mariachi USA Festival in the famous Hollywood
Bowl and in June of 2004 they returned to Hollywood to be a part
of the action once again. It doesn't stop there. Mariachi Las
Alteñas stole the hearts of the audience at the 5th Annual
Viva El Mariachi Festival in San Diego, California.In addition,
in July 2004 these ladies were a big hit at the 71st Annual Fiesta
Mexicana in Topeka , Kansas and in September 2004 they participated
in the 1st Annual Mariach Festival at the Gran Plaza de Fort
Worth, Texas. Mariachi Las Alteñas were also featured
in the 1st Annual 2004 Mariachi Fiesta Concert in San Antonio,
Texas which was a sold out event. In March 2005 they mesmerized
a crowd of 60,000 fans at the 2005 Annual Go Tejano Mariachi
Competition in Houston, Texas where they proudly brought home
1st Place for the 2nd year in a row.
The women that make up Las Alteñas are a stunningly powerful
group of musicians who are clearly proud of their Mexican heritage,
and who are eager to share that heritage with audiences through
beautiful music. Based out of San Antonio, Mariachi Las Alteñas
consistently draw overflowing crowds to their performances. Visitors
to San Antonio are treated to regular performances since the
group is featured in four restaurants. Mariachi Las Alteñas
are well known for their musical diversity which appeals to crowds
of all generations. In a predominately male industry, this all
female mariachi has made their mark as they continue to share
their music with audiences throughout America. Las Alteñas
will change what you think of mariachi music. They're young,
they're driven and with them, every night is ladies night.
