Returning to the Gallo Center for a second year, “Talento Vivo en el Valle!” is a high energy, entertaining talent competition open to Ballet Folklorico dance groups and Mariachi/Ranchera singers residing in Stanislaus, Merced, Tuolumne, Calaveras, Mariposa, and San Joaquin counties. Top prizes of $750 will be awarded to the winners of the Vocal and Dance categories, and one of them will automatically be selected to compete in the Gallo Center’s Valley Talent Project in August, with a chance to win that contest’s grand prize of $1,500. A panel of distinguished judges will select the “Talento Vivo en el Valle!” winners based on vocal technique and choreographic cultural authenticity, as well as overall showmanship and stage presence.

The competition itself will be Saturday, June 24 at 7 p.m. at the Gallo Center; tickets are available from $12. Sales to the general public begin Friday, March 17. Telephone and ticket office sales begin at 10 a.m.; online sales begin at 11 a.m.

Gallo Center for the Arts is at 1000 I St., Modesto.