Mezcal Performs Post-Turkey Day Concert
On Friday, Mezcal, one of Visalia's most popular bands, will perform its annual post-Thanksgiving concert at The Cellar Door.
Choices caught up with band leader Carlos Rodriguez to ask him some questions about the concert and the band.
Question: What can people expect when they come out to the show?
Answer: Expect to dance to night away with two hot latin party bands. La Marcha a new six-piece band from Bakersfield, is coming to Cellar Door for the very first time. They are excited to join Mezcal for two nights, Friday night in Visalia and Saturday in Bakersfield. Mezcal will be featuring our newest member, vocalist Hope Garcia on Friday night. This time of year we are grateful to be all at home and performing in front of our friends and family. We have lots of energy and can't wait to get the crowd dancing on their feet.
Q: The year has been interesting personally for you. Fill readers in on what you've been up to.
A: I'm grateful to say that I've had a very busy year on the road. I went on two tours as a percussionist for Lance Canales and The Flood. We traveled throughout the midwest performing at all kinds of music venues and folk festivals. It was very fulfilling and thorough road trip, from staying in four-star hotels in Kansas City, Mo. to sleeping on a strangers floor in Prescott, Ariz. We got snowed in and nearly froze our bones in Iowa City, Iowa and then later experienced the icky and unforgiving humidity of Okemah, Okl. I gained a lot of new friends and may have lost one or two but it was definitely worth it. One thing I learned this year is that I dig Folk music and really dig Woody Guthrie.
Q: Looking forward to 2015, what can people expect from the band and yourself?
A: I don't think I can remember being this excited about any new year to come. Mezcal is looking to record another project in the early months of 2015 and I cannot wait to get Hope Garcia in the studio. We had the opportunity to record together on my solo album "Barely Breathing" (available at mezcalmusic.com) but this time around we are going after the Cumbia dance album that all our Mezcaleros have been waiting for. We also plan on investing more time into the "Siempre Selena" Show and doing something new and exciting with Rosalinda Verde.
Q: Fill readers in on La Marcha.
A: La Marcha is Bakersfield's newest Latin group. Featuring electric guitars and live horns, they promise to put on a memorable show. Although this may be one of their first performances, La Marcha has members in their group that have traveled and performed professionally throughout the U.S. The play a mixture Cumbia, Salsa and Tejano. You can listen them here http://www.reverbnation.com/lamarcha3
Q: Anything else you'd like to share?
A: Mezcal has been working very hard this year . We have been knocking the crowds out lately at Tachi Palace Casino and recently was featured at the 1st annual Tastemakers festival here at Rawhide Stadium. We have also performed two sold out shows backing Rosalinda Verde with our "Siempre Selena" show. We are getting calls from throughout the valley regarding our tribute to Selena show. We thank the San Joaquin Valley for their continued support.
Details: Mezcal and La Marcha will perform at 9:30 p.m. Friday at The Cellar Door, 101 W. Main St., Visalia. Cover: $10. 21 and older.