Orkesta Mendoza takes you on a high-octane ride through Mexican cumbia, mambo, indie rock, and 60s surf. Led by Sergio Mendoza (Calexico) and with a string of releases on Glitterbeat Records, the explosive ensemble is ready to set the dance floor on fire at ALICE for a summer concert you won’t forget.

Orkesta Mendoza emerged from the cultural melting pot of Tucson, Arizona, and was founded by multi-instrumentalist Sergio Mendoza, also known from Calexico. Raised in the border town of Ambos Nogales, Mendoza grew up surrounded by a flood of musical influences from radio stations on both sides of the border—a sonic heritage that pulses strongly through the project today. Here, cumbia, ranchera, and Latin percussion meet indie rock, 60s surf, horns, accordion, and steel guitar in a vibrant and explosive sound that draws lines from Perez Prado to the contemporary global music scene.

The story of Orkesta Mendoza began as a party in Tucson in 2009, where Mendoza assembled a large orchestra to celebrate the classics of mambo. What started as a one-off event quickly evolved into a thriving musical collective. Today, Orkesta Mendoza is a key part of Tucson’s rich music scene while also resonating far beyond the city with countless international performances and releases on the influential Glitterbeat label. On stage, the band delivers their sound with an intensity and joy that—through infectious rhythms, grooves, and boundless energy—gives the summer heat a run for its money. If you’re a fan of artists like Los Pirañas, Meridian Brother, and Romperayo, don’t miss the chance to experience Orkesta Mendoza live at ALICE.

Said about Orkesta Mendoza
“Sergio Mendoza is probably my favourite musician of this time. He has the cumbia and mambo in his DNA, but he has the power to make it sound like today. His Orkesta is as punk as the Sex Pistols and as violent as Perez Prado” – Camilo Lara, Mexican Institute of Sound