ORKESTA MENDOZA

A mambo big-band like you've never experienced, bandleader Sergio Mendoza helms one of the most exciting latin music bands operating today. He and his orchestra -- which can stretch to 20 pieces -- perform an arresting take on traditional mambo and cumbia, shot through with heavy doses of psychedelia. The band's otherworldly sound has been enthusiastically praised by the New York Times and NPR. Rakish in white tuxes, Y La Orkesta offers a transportive experience back to the Tropicana. Mendoza is also an active touring member of both Calexico and Devotchka.