Performer Candace Vargas, 17, is confident she would have gotten into the music business without the exposure she received at the New Mexico Hispano Music Association's Youth and Children Talent Showcase. But the experience certainly didn't hurt.

Eight years ago, Vargas showcased her talent at the annual event and took home two titles: Child Song of the Year and Child Artist of the Year. Her victories earned her a trip to Las Vegas, Nev., to perform at the then-new Palms Hotel with the Albuquerque-based Mariachi Tapayec.

"It was pretty cool," Vargas said. "It was huge. I saw different people like Pamela Anderson."

Vargas, who now has five records, opted not to perform at this year's talent show, which takes place Friday, and instead will help her parents, Joel and Ruth Ann Vargas, put on the event.

Joel and Ruth Ann Vargas have been organizing the talent show for the past eight years. The showcase has been happening for 12 years.

"We just love working with the kids," Joel Vargas said. "It's amazing to see the talent that comes out of New Mexico."

There are three categories: Children, Youth and Youth Group. Joel Vargas said there is an average of 14 to 18 children in each category. All of the money raised through ticket sales for the event goes to paying for the show, which is sponsored by the New Mexico Hispano Music Association.

The show's goal is in line with the mission of the nonprofit NMHMA: "to preserve, through music, the unique culture and heritage of New Mexico."

NMHMA president Casey Gallegos said encouraging youth is the best way to preserve a culture.

"One of the purposes of the association is to promote the Hispanic culture through music and to carry the culture forward," Gallegos said. "I think the only way that's accomplished is if we teach our children and youth to sing and communicate in Spanish."

While the competition takes place in November, the performers will have to wait until Jan. 16 to find out if they won.

"It gives them a little bit of anxiety," Joel Vargas said with a laugh. Gallegos said the wait is worth it because the youth receive their prizes at the NMHMA's big annual award show.

"It's sort of like the Grammy Awards that you see on TV, so we wanted them to experience that and be able to go to the show," Gallegos said.

Walter Trujillo, 16, was one of the winners last year. He sang a Javier Solis song and is hoping to take home another title this year by singing "Lloraras," by the same artist.

Trujillo began singing three years ago with the encouragement of his band teacher at Española Valley High School, Alfonso Trujillo. "It brings people pleasure ... and I really enjoy it," he said.

Candace Vargas is now working on her sixth album. Her music can be found at www.myspace.com/candacevargasmusic.

"I like seeing the different ages of children and youth participating," Candace Vargas said of the talent show. "I just love the different styles of how they perform and their vocals.

"We're trying to show off the talent of the younger generation."

Contact Ana Maria Trujillo at 986-3084 or atrujillo@sfnewmexican.com.

If you go:

What: The New Mexico Hispano Music Association's Youth and Children Talent Showcase

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27

Where: Ohkay Casino Conference Center

Cost: $7 per person at the door.

On the Web: www.nmhma.org.