Visalia, Ca U.S.A.

559.300.7718

mezcalmusic@me.com

Born out of the belly of the San Joaquin Valley, MEZCAL has been entertaining audiences across the state for the past ten years. Their Latin groove's have taken them from Visalia’s annual Dia Del Niñ o Celebration at the Manuel Hernandez Center to Las Vegas for the nationally televised America’s Next Great American Band competition in 2007. Out of over 10,000 acts, MEZCAL was chosen as one of the top 60 bands for the FOX series. They have shared the stage with the likes of Los Lobos, Malo, El Chicano, Tierra, and Poncho Sanchez.

The band consists of local members, Alejo Delgado- Bass, and family members Carlos- Guitar, Estevan- Congas, and Marisa Rodriguez- Timbales. Over the years, MEZCAL has kept their audiences moving to their mix of Rock and Afro-Cuban rhythms. In addition, core members Carlos, Estevan, Marisa, and Alejo actively participate 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.
MEZCAL has successfully operated as a grassroots effort with the support of local family, friends, and fans. Check the Shows page to see when Mezcal will be playing near you!

Carlos Rodriguez

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When San Joaquin valley native, Carlos Rodriguez, steps onto the stage, dance floors fill with rhythm, color, and movement. A natural-born entertainer, Rodriguez puts Afro-Latin drum grooves against searing electric guitar riffs creating an infectious party vibe.

Born into a rich musical heritage, Rodriguez has over twenty years of experience fusing folkloric instruments along with electric sounds as recorded on his 2010 album FORECLOSURE. During the recording of that album, Rodriguez traveled to the west African country of Guinea to study traditional drumming. Under the tutelage of master percussionist, Mamady “Wadaba” Kourouma, Rodriguez studied west African drumming and culture for one month in a village somewhere off the map in forest Guinea. “That trip changed my music and my life” said Rodriguez.

Carlos is a hired gun for Latin groups throughout the valley and abroad. He has played percussion or guitar with Mento Buru, Patrick Contreras, Rumba 32, Steve Salas (Tierra/El Chicano), Lance Canales and The Flood, Joel Rafael, and David Amram. Rodriguez’ latest release, BARELY BREATHING, was a venture in the world of Latin jazz featuring tributes to jazz legends Wes Montgomery and Cal Tjader.

Along with being a sought-after musician, Carlos also teaches percussion and guitar professionally. He facilitated music programs for the Sound & Vision Foundation and started the Upbeat Music program for incarcerated youth in Tulare County.

Rodriguez lives in California’s San Joaquin valley where he performs with various groups and produces music out of his home studio. He is still the frontman and bandleader for the Latin dance band, Mezcal, since 1996.