Now that mariachi music is heard everywhere it's hard to imagine a time when it was next to unknown in the U.S. Nati Cano and his Camperos have literally been "instrumental" in playing a major role in its popularity. Through their music, this story was told Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Ford Amphitheatre. The show was a tribute to Cano as told from his beginnings in Mexico to his establishment of L.A.'s popular La Fonda restaurant -the home of the Camperos which led to touring throughout the world and a national tour and collaboration with Linda Ronstadt. Cano is credited for bring the mariachi musician to their rightful place as respected artists.

The story of Los Most importantly the influence of Los Camperos continues today with the development of the group Mariachi Tesoro de San Fernando, who also took center stage on Saturday. The Tesoros are an extension of the successful Mariachi Master Apprentice Program based in the city of San Fernando. Teachers of these young local musicians are master musicians and members of Los Camperos include harpist Sergio Alonso, a music teacher at San Fernando High School and Chuy Guzman. The Viva La Tradicion! performance was taped for broadcast on KCET as part of its Live @ the Ford series.