Sergio Mendoza is a producer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and Latin music pioneer.  The southern Arizona native’s musical career stems from humble beginnings, holds a deep connection to his roots, and has carried the energy of a collective through his musical movements.

Growing up on the international border in Ambos Nogales, Sergio was exposed to a wide range of music from a very early age.  He attributes his influence to a sense of place; where he was born and raised and sounds he heard playing on the radio from Bordertown stations. Harnessing the spirit of collaboration, Mendoza connects with musicians, globally, on projects that traverse different styles as he re-invents sub-genres of Latin music.  Arranging projects like Esto Sí Es Cumbia for Los Ángeles Azules, the tribute album Un Mundo Raro:  Las Canciones de José Alfredo Jiménez, and co-producing Edge of the Sun and El Mirador with Calexico, showcase this coming together of musicians from all regions to form a distinctive sound.

Sergio has successfully fashioned his own unique taste and existence into what we now experience as Orkesta Mendoza; a blend of Indie Rock and Latin music that has become a cornerstone of Tucson culture. He works hard to support Tucson in being an epicenter for new music development, bringing Latin artists like Chetes, Gabby Moreno and Camilo Lara of Mexican Institute of Sound to share the stage.