Mariachi Relampago started in 1991 under the direction of Adolph Ortiz and was originally called Mariachi Chapala. In 1992, the name was changed to Mariachi Relampago (Lightning), a symbol of typical Texas weather. Most of the original musicians were graduates of maestro Zeke Castro's Travis High School mariachi program. Currently comprised of musicians from Laredo, San Antonio, El Paso, and Austin. Mariachi Relampago has a definite Texas sound, yet still authentic to Mexico. All of the musicians of Mariachi Relampago are true professionals with years of experience under their belt. When you hire Mariachi Relampago, you're hiring the best! Members of Mariachi Relampago have been involved in recordings for movie soundtracks, library archives, studio archives, commercials (Television & Radio), and music CDs. Some members have taught in Mariachi Festivals in the state of Texas and beyond. Mariachi Relampago also donates money to charitable organizations, and on occasion, performs for the community to benefit organizations with a good cause. Mariachi Relampago received an invitation to compete in the prestigious Houston Livestock and Rodeo Mariachi Invitational and took 2nd place. Mariachi Relampago was also honored with the award of "Mejor Mariachi" from Univision's Premios a la Musica Latina. With all their hard work and dedication for the city of Austin, they were the first group from Austin to be nominated and win the award. No other group can claim they were the first. They are also winners of Austin's first mariachi competition, "Fiesta del Mariachi" held at the Long Center. In June of 2009, Mariachi Relampago was one of the opening acts for Mariachi Vargas, who are known as El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo (the world's best mariachi). On September 19, 2016, the City of Austin proclaimed it Mariachi Relampago Day. Mariachi Relampago is Austin's only Mariachi to have recorded on a record label, Viewpoint Records. On June 2024, Adolph Ortiz received the Award of Excellence in the Arts from the Emma Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center in Austin, Texas.
