WATSONVILLE — After Andy Vargas graduated from Watsonville High School in 1995, he immediately began to pursue his passion for singing.
Four years later he auditioned for rock-and-roll legend Carlos Santana. He has been that band’s lead singer for the past 19 years. Three years ago, he launched his own band, called Souleros.
He returned to his alma mater for the first time on Friday, and in a series of two talks, encouraged students to pursue their own dreams.
“It was the greatest thing in the world to be able to follow my dreams,” he said. “And you guys can do and will do the exact same thing. You can love what you do for the rest of your life.”
Vargas was also at the school to announce a Dec. 8 benefit concert in the Henry J. Mello Center, which will raise money for scholarships for Watsonville High School students.
The show, titled “el Sueño,” or “the Dream” — will be headlined by Vargas’ band, and will include his father’s band, Mariachi California de Javier Vargas. There will also be dance performances by Watsonville High School students and an opportunity to meet the band.
The benefit concert is part of Vargas’ mission to help young people access higher education, which he does through the Andy Vargas Foundation. His work through the foundation includes music mentoring programs, scholarships and the Vargas Outreach Fund.
He said he hopes the concert will become an annual event.
“I’m here to give back to Watsonville High School,” he said. “It’s always been a dream to come back and talk to my school.”
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The “el Sueño” benefit concert is scheduled for Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Henry J. Mello Center, 250 East Beach St.
For information, visit andyvargasfoundation.org.
For tickets, visit bit.ly/2PdzFQK.
