Percussionist Marisa Rodriguez Receives Award

November 11, 2014 / Carlos Rodriguez

This past September MEZCAL percussionist Marisa Rodriguez was selected as an honoree for the 2014 Latinas in Business & Professions Association, Celebrating Latinas in the Performing & Visual Arts. The LBPA Committee selected eight nominees in the community. Honorees were chosen for their artistic work throughout the Central Valley and their efforts in promoting leadership within their communities. “I remember attending events like these as a teenager, usually performing or selling merchandise for my family’s business,” states Rodriguez. “It was a humbling experience to be honored in such a forum and by people that I have longed recognized as local leaders”.

Marisa works as a History Teacher at Fort Miller Middle School of Fresno Unified. She received her BA in History at Fresno State; followed by a Teaching Credential at Fresno Pacific. Following in the music tradition of the “Familia Rodriguez”, Marisa started playing music at an early age with her brothers’ first band the “Latineers”. She started performing live around the Central Valley with current group MEZCAL at age seventeen. MEZCAL proudly participates in community events to support local youth and migrant farm workers through volunteer work and music workshops/performances. Their involvement with organizations like CASA, Sound & Vision Foundation, and other groups has helped raise funds and/or spread awareness for the enrichment of community interests. “It was a beautiful event with friends and family. I’m grateful to be able to carry on the musical heritage of my family here in the Valley.”

Congratulations Marisa, we are proud of you.

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Rodriguez gets lost in Paris

November 03, 2014 / Carlos Rodriguez

For most of the month of September, frontman Carlos Rodriguez had the fortunate experience of traveling to Paris, France. Invited by fellow bassist Richard Caetano, Carlos was able to meet and jam with many different musicians around Paris, touring even as far south as Toulouse.

From enjoying delicious foods and making many new friends, to taking in the sights and sounds of an ancient romantic city, Rodriguez thought that this adventure couldn't get any better. But after playing a private function in a small village, tucked away in the country side of south France, Rodriguez was given a gift that he will never forget. Guitar collector, Eric Montiel, hosted Rodriguez and shared his collection with Carlos. "I played some of the most famous and iconic guitars ever made... From Les Paul gold tops to vintage Gibson hollow bodies". After almost 4 hours of strumming on Rickenbacker's, Telecasters and Epiphone's, Montiel surprised Carlos with giving him a vintage Fender Telecaster! The 1958 Esquire maple neck is what makes this instrument special. The body was refinished and looks like the butterscotch classic that many like Prince and Keith Richards have played for decades. The Tele, which Carlos endearingly calls "Frenchie" was given with two stipulations.

1. Rodriguez could not sell the guitar. (Which he'd never do anyways!)

2. He also had to promise to go back to the Montiel residence one day to play music again.

Rodriguez accepted and now is the proud owner of one of his dream guitars. Dig the photos..