VIVA SOUTHWEST | lcac-denver

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Viva Southwest is a 2-part program with an Educational Conference and community showcase in the Spring, and a regional festival and fundraiser in the Fall.

for the Conference

Spring Conference & Masterclasses

The Metropolitan State University of Denver Department of Music and the Latino Cultural Arts Center of Colorado proudly present the 2023 Viva Southwest Mariachi Conference & Showcase on April 14 & 15, 2023.

Join us on the Auraria Campus for two days of workshops with Master Mariachi Maestros, culminating in an evening showcase featuring participating student groups.

Musicians of all ages and skill levels are invited to immerse themselves in two days of Mariachi lectures, masterclasses, and workshops with Master Mariachi Maestros.

Registration is open to school Mariachi ensembles (grades 5-12 and undergraduate), and individual students or community members. Registrants can expect to attend daily lectures, and break out into workshops according to skill level (beginning or intermediate/advanced) and instrument (violin, trumpet, guitarrón, armonia, voice).

School Directors have the option of registering their student ensemble for a masterclass with Maestro Jeff Nevin for an additional fee. This option is limited to four groups on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ensembles also have the option of performing in the evening Showcase on April 15!

View the Schedule below for more details.

Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival in the Fall

Save-the-Date for the Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival (VSMF), to be held on September 16th, 2023, at Levitt Pavilion Denver! Stay tuned for the highly anticipated announcement of this year’s headliner.

As part-two of Viva Southwest, the Latino Cultural Arts Center and MSU Denver Department of Music present a special evening of Mariachi. The Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival takes place during the Fall and features a sensational lineup that includes a headliner and a special performance by Mariachi Estelares de Colorado, Colorado’s 1st and only All-State Youth Mariachi Ensemble.

All- State Auditions: Mariachi Estelares de Colorado

Viva Southwest has education at its core. The All-State ensemble brings the best youth talent across the state to provide financial development workshops and career opportunities.

Students grades 9-12 and undergraduate are invited to audition for 2023’s Mariachi Estelares de Colorado for the opportunity to perform at the Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival. Video auditions are being accepted until March 3, 2023. Selected participants will be announced at the Viva Southwest Workshops and Showcase in April.