Fernando y Ernesto con su Mariachi Coachella
Fernando and Ernesto first crossed paths in Las Vegas in the 1990s, drawn together by their shared passion for cultural music. From the moment they played together, it was clear they had something special—a musical bond that transcends words and languages. For decades, they’ve blended their unique cultures and talents, creating a unique and memorable sound.
From intimate venues to grand stages, they’ve captivated audiences across the country. Each of them is a masterful performer in their own right, but when they come together, the magic truly happens. And when backed by a full mariachi ensemble, their music reaches an entirely new level—a breathtaking fusion of tradition and artistry.
With every performance, Fernando and Ernesto strive to deliver a one-of-a-kind musical experience, filled with passion, skill, and deep cultural connection. We can’t wait to share our music with you. Give us a call, and let’s make it happen!
Fernando “el Cochero” Gonzales
Born into a family rich in musical tradition, Fernando was destined to leave his mark on the mariachi world. Inspired by his four older brothers, established mariachis themselves, and the legendary Lola Beltrán, an extended cousin on his father's side, Fernando’s musical journey began in his early childhood. Enthralled by the vibrant sounds and intricate techniques of mariachi music, he quickly became captivated, dedicating countless hours to listening to records and mastering the vihuela's challenging strumming patterns, known as "manicos."
By the age of 12, Fernando was already performing alongside his brothers, contributing to the family income and helping to support his parents who worked as farm laborers up and down the state of California. His talents blossomed rapidly, and his first big break came when he joined his brothers as the house band at the historic Million Dollar Theater, a prestigious gig that catapulted him into the spotlight with many well known artists such as Vicente Fernandez, Vikki Carr, and Juan Gabriel. It wasn't long before he caught the eye of larger mariachi groups.
Fernando’s reputation as a gifted musician continued to grow. By the age of 17 he was invited join Mariachi Los Gallos, and later, Mariachi Los Galleros de Pedro Rey. It was with Los Galleros de Pedro Rey that he not only recorded an album, but also collaborated on the track Las Brisas with none other than Ringo Starr.
Over the years, Fernando has navigated an expansive musical career across California, Nevada, and Florida engaging in a variety of projects including recording collaborations with big names in music such as the Mamas and the Papas, casino residencies, and releasing three studio albums with his long-time musical partner, Paraguayan harpist Ernesto Franco. His talents have also led him to appearances on television and in film, including the hit Showtime series "Resurrection Blvd" and the movie "The Entertainers" starring Bob Newhart and co-starring Michael Jackson’s chimp, Bubbles.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Fernando is dedicated to nurturing new talent and preserving the rich heritage of mariachi music. After many years of teaching and mentoring local youth, he established the Armonía Music Center, a nonprofit organization that provides free mariachi music lessons to children and adults from diverse economic backgrounds across Southern California (earning him the nickname “Coach”).
Today, as the director of Mariachi Coachella℠, Fernando continues to inspire and lead by example. Under his direction, Mariachi Coachella℠ not only entertains and moves audiences but also serves as a platform for the next generation of mariachi musicians, ensuring that this rich cultural heritage continues to resonate and inspire.
Ernesto Franco — Paraguayan Harpist
Ernesto Franco is a renowned Paraguayan harpist with an extensive career that spans over six decades, taking him from the rural fields of Paraguay to the grand stages of the United States, making him a living legend in Paraguayan music.
Born in Itacurubí, San José de los Arroyos, Paraguay, Ernesto grew up surrounded by music. His father, Gumersindo Franco, was a professional harpist, and from an early age, Ernesto was drawn to the delicate yet powerful sound of the instrument. At just six years old, he secretly played his father’s harp while he was away working in the fields.
Though his mother disapproved of the idea of him becoming a musician—fearing it would lead him to an unstable life—his passion was undeniable. Determined to master the harp, he moved to Asunción at 12 years old, working to save money for his own instrument. By the time he was 13, his older brother gifted him his first harp, and from that moment on, his progress was unstoppable.
By 14 years old, he was already recording music and playing in Los Hijos de San José and Los Rutilantes Guaraníes (founded by the famous Mújica-Ojeda duo), two groups that helped shape his early career. At 19, he co-founded Los Triunfadores, with his Brother Alberto Franco, which gained national recognition. In 1971, he and his group represented Paraguay at a festival in Buenos Aires at Luna Park, winning first place.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Ernesto became a key figure in Paraguayan music, performing in Asunción’s most prestigious venues, such as Jardín de la Cerveza, La Carreta, El Hermitage, and El Bosque. He then joined Los Embajadores del Paraguay, a quartet that further solidified his reputation.
In the 1980s, he had the opportunity to travel to the United States, originally planning to stay for just three weeks. However, he soon found success in major cities like New York, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Las Vegas, and ultimately decided to make the U.S. his home. He performed in prestigious hotel chains, including Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, where he played for three years alongside renowned Paraguayan singer-songwriter Adrián Barreto.
Since the 1990s, he has collaborated with Fernando Gonzales performing a mix of his native Paraguayan music and Mariachi.
