SILICON VALLEY'S PREMIER MARIACHI
FElipe Garcia
Executive Director
Felipe Garcia is Mariachi Tapatio’s executive director and co-founder of Mariachi Academy of Music. Felipe’s passion for music motivates him to work tirelessly as an educator. His vision is to preserve the rich cultural traditions of Mariachi music while promoting its accessibility to communities throughout the Bay Area. Felipe’s passion motivates him to hold highly anticipated concerts in which Mariachi Tapatio is the main attraction.
Manuel Caratachea
Musical Director
Manuel Caratachea brings more than 40 years of musical experience to Mariachi Tapatio and under his direction has solidified Mariachi Tapatio’s reputation as one of the best groups in the Bay Area. Some of Manuel’s personal achievements include touring with world renowned groups throughout the world and serving as mentor for current Mariachi Vargas members such as Oscar Ortega. He remains inspired by relishing in the opportunity to share his vast knowledge with students through private lessons and to those whom participate in Felipe Garcia’s Mariachi Academy.
JUan Reyes
Violin
Juan Reyes is among the best mariachi musicians in the world and his prodigious skills are recognized by the most famous mariachi groups across the globe. His precocious talent secured him a spot, at a very young age, in Mariachi Juvenil Tecalitlan, a world-class professional mariachi recognized for its excellence. Since then, he has worked in Mariachi America de Jesus Rodriguez de Hijar, Mariachi Sonidos de America, and many other excellent groups. His work continues to garner positive attention from everyone, especially students eager to learn from one of the best. Juan Reyes is a tireless musician and continues to write original music, polish his skills, and also share his valuable knowledge with other musicians.
anthony angeles
Violin
Anthony Angeles has been performing mariachi music since the age of 5. His inspiration started from seeing his older brother, Felipe, perform. Now they share the stage as important members of Mariachi Tapatio. Anthony is a Santa Clara University graduate where he studied finance and music. He distinguishes himself by his classical training and attention to detail. His endeavors have earned him the prestigious opportunity be a part of the San Francisco Youth Symphony and the San Jose Youth Symphony where he toured across Europe and South America.
yamir sayago
Guitarrón
Yamir Sayago and his guitarron are the heartbeat of Mariachi Tapatio. He is a versatile musician proficient in a variety of musical styles and genres as well as a film director. His talents have allowed Mariachi Tapatio’s social media to engage fans like never before. Yamir values education and personal growth which influences how he approaches his role in Mariachi Tapatio and as a mentor for budding musicians.
Miguel chavez
Vihuela
Miguel Chavez is a talented multi-instrumentalist and brings his 26 years of experience to our rhythm and trumpet sections. His passion for music has guided his decision to participate in diverse musical styles and expand his musical knowledge. He has served as the section leader in his previous mariachi groups which has allowed him to hone his leadership skills and push his musicianship to new levels of growth. Miguel is also a dedicated instructor and shares his knowledge with students across the Bay Area. His teaching is recognized for being engaging and suited for his students’ needs.
Russele rodriguez
Guitar
Russell Rodríguez is a lecturer at UC Santa Cruz, where he earned his Ph.D. in Anthropology with a dissertation on Mariachi Transmission, Practice, and Performance in the U.S. He has performed as a professional mariachi musician across the southwest U.S., Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and Guadalajara, Jalisco. Starting his career with Los Trovadores de La Costa under maestro Artemio Posadas, he also studied and performed Folklorico with groups like Los Lupeños de San José and Los Mestizos. Rodríguez continues to perform professionally with Mariachi Tapatio and the Rasquache Liberation Front del Este, engaging in vibrant transnational music scenes.
Antonio andrade
Trumpet
Ernesto Gonzalez comes from El Grullo, Jalisco, Mexico. Ernesto’s uncle is none other than Salvador Gonzalez, the founder of Mariachi Tapatio in 1982. Ernesto is one of Mariachi Tapatio’s earliest members, initiating his musical career here at a young age. As a young man, Ernesto played alongside some of the Bay Area’s best mariachi musicians and has continued to hone his craft by studying under world class musicians such as Francisco “Pako” Aguilar, current trumpet player of Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan. He has toured alongside Espinoza Paz and accompanied famous stars such as Alejandro Fernandez and Edith Marquez. Ernesto is proud to represent Mexican culture in Colombia, Cuba, and Guatemala through his career as a touring musician.
victor rosales
Trumpet
Victor Rosales was introduced to mariachi in 5th grade at Luther Burbank Elementary School, which led him to become an exceptional player at a young age. He chose the trumpet as his primary instrument for its powerful and charming qualities. In high school, he expanded his musical repertoire by exploring jazz and playing in the Symphonic Band, known for its classical music. As a first-generation musician in his family, he has played with numerous Bay Area groups and found his home in Mariachi Tapatio. His devotion to music is strong, and he is passionate about teaching and helping his students become skilled musicians.
juan guzman
Trumpet
Juan Guzman, a proud member of Mariachi Tapatio, excels in studying and sharing the cultural significance of mariachi music. Known for his attention to detail and ability to convey his passion through his playing, Juan graduated from UC Berkeley and volunteered at a Jesuit high school in San Jose, supporting their music department. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree from San Jose State University’s School of Information. His strong work ethic and devotion to his community drive his ambition to improve as a musician and pursue a professional career that makes a positive impact.
