Mariachi Costa de Oro

¡Bienvenidos!

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About Us

Maria, Lee, Ramon, Gerardo, Josie, Greg, Maurie, Natalie

Group photo before Ramon moved to Washington

History of our Group

Mariachi Costa de Oro sprang from a dream by Ramon Rivera. In 2002, Mr. Rivera applied for a grant to support a Mariachi Class for adults. The class was taught at Ventura Community College and when the term ended many of the students decided to stay together to form a band. They practiced twice weekly under the direction of Mr. Rivera and quickly began to perform in a variety of venues in Ventura County. In addition to directing Mariachi Costa de Oro and often performing with his family in Mariachi Camarillo, Mr. Rivera taught Mariachi Music in four area schools and produced many area programs and festivals with the help of his wife, Carmen, who also played violin with Mariachi Costa de Oro. After receiving a number of awards, including: the El Concilio del Condado de Ventura Latino Leadership Award for Cultural Arts, Mexican American Political Forum of Ventura County, the Diego de Barboza and Musical Excellence Awards, Mr. Rivera was offered a teaching position in Wenatchee, Washington, in the fall of 2005. The loss of Mr. and Mrs. Rivera was a difficult blow to Mariachi Costa de Oro but the group has managed to stay together and continue performing. Mr. Rivera's brother, Dominic Rivera has been teaching the group new music and increased stage-presence and performance skills.

Mariachi Costa de Oro Today

Mariachi Costa de Oro is a nonprofit organization focused on the performance of Mariachi music, with the goal of educating, sharing, and celebrating the music and culture of Mexico. The group works with and supports Mr. Javier Gomez and the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center In Oxnard. Mr. Gomez is an accomplished musican, dancer, actor and playwright. He and his wife have devoted years of service to the teaching, without charge, of children and adults, and people of all ethnicities, the cultural arts of Mexico.

We enjoy performing in the greater San Buenaventura County area including Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Camarillo, Ventura, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks. We do birthday parties, quinceañeras, wedding receptions, Cinco de Mayo and El Día de los Muertos celebrations and others!

Back Row: Lee, Raymond, Mundo, Greg, Daniel, Rafael, Edgar & Roberto. Front Row: Nancy, Josie & Brenda

Mexican Fiesta at the First Presbyterian Church of Oxnard, May 22, 2010

Mariachi Costa de Oro currently has openings for violin players. Please consider joining us for great fun, a stimulating learning environment and camaraderie! Spanish language skills are not required, though can be helpful. We meet weekly to practice under the direction and instruction of an excellent and talented musician!

If interested call Rafael Perez 805-484-0256

or email him

Contact Web Mistress

Revised 5/2/2012