Mexican singing star Pedro Fernández will begin his U.S. tour in Tucson on Friday night.
Fernández, fresh off a European tour, will celebrate more than three decades on stage by belting out some favorite mariachi songs and some newer tunes during a performance at the Desert Diamond Casino Entertainment Center.
In a 2007 interview with La Estrella de Tucsón, the Star's Spanish weekly publication, Fernández said: "In singing mariachi music, you can feel so many sentiments, such as happiness, despair, drama and romanticism. This is what makes it unique."
It was that year that the international star shared his love for mariachi music at the 25th anniversary of the Tucson International Mariachi Conference and Espectacular Concert.
"I sing mariachi because it was born within me. I love it," Fernández said two years ago.
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The 39-year-old singer has recorded 37 albums and sold more than 18 million records. His latest album is 2008's "Dime Mi Amor" ("Tell Me My Love").
The Latin Grammy Award winner was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and began singing at age 7. His stage name comes from the first name of Pedro Infante and the last name of Vicente Fernández — mariachi greats.
He made his film debut at age 9 in "La Niña de la Mochila Azul" ("The Girl With the Blue Backpack"). He has since appeared in 24 more movies and five telenovelas.
• What: Pedro Fernández in concert with Mariachi Los Arrieros de México.
• When: 8 p.m. Friday.
• Where: Desert Diamond Casino Entertainment Center at Interstate 19 and Pima Mine Road.
• Tickets: $60, $50 and $40 through Ticketmaster, 321-1000. Day of show tickets cost $5 more.
• Information: www.desert diamondcasino.com
