** 2024 Commencement Updates **

** 2024 Commencement Updates **

New Mexico Highlands University Presents Music Festival Featuring the Kumbia Kings All Starz 

Band photo for Kumbia Kings All Starz

Kumbia King All Starz

March 8, 2022

Highlands University is hosting a music festival on April 30, 2022. The festival features headliners Kumbia Kings All Starz, Latin Grammy award winners Ellas, and country singer Bri Bagwell.  

According to Reynaldo Maestas, director for the Center for Professional Development and Career Readiness, the festival will feature a wide variety of music, from Spanish-Mexican cumbias, mariachi, reggaeton, country, and rock. Maestas said music-lovers who know Selena will enjoy the Kumbia Kings All Starz, a group founded by Selena’s brother, A. B. Quintanilla.  

“We’re really excited that we were able to book them,” said Maestas. “They’re going to bring a good crowd.”  

The Latin Grammy nominated trio, Ellas, will also be performing. According to Maestas, the Los Angeles based trio performs mariachi, contemporary music, and original arrangements. The opening act will be performed by country singer Bri Bagwell, who grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico.  

Maestas said the concert idea came from Highlands University president, Sam Minner.  

“He wanted to do something for the Las Vegas community and surrounding areas and bring different entities together and have a big show,” said Maestas. “We’re going to cover the whole floor of the Wilson Complex and set up the stage, LED screens and lights—it’s going to be a huge production.” 

Maestas said he looks forwards to Highlands University, Luna Community College, the United World College, and the citizens of Las Vegas being able to attend the concert and enjoy music from world class entertainers.  

“Most of the time, we have to go outside of Las Vegas for big names like this to see them at a concert,” said Maestas. “We wanted to bring that here so people could experience this in their hometown.”  

General admission upper-level tickets are $25, the lower-level seats are $30, and chairback tickets are $40. Additionally, pit passes will be available to anyone interested in getting closer to the stage. 

The festival will be held in the John. A Wilson Complex. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the show begins at 6 p.m. For tickets, visit https://www.nmhu.edu/ilfeld-auditorium/tickets/, or contact Reynaldo Maestas in the Felix Martinez Building on the Highlands campus or call him at 454-3251 for assistance. COVID-safe practices will include proof of vaccination OR a negative COVID test within 48 hours of the show. Masks will not be required but will be encouraged. 

“We brought a diverse group of musicians and there’s going to be all kinds of music in all different types of genres,” said Maestas. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. We are excited to be back in person.”