TUCSON, AZ (November 24, 2025) Orkesta Mendoza will perform with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra (TSO) in its Holidays in Tucson performances in place of Calexico, which has had to cancel its upcoming appearances due to a family illness. As originally scheduled, the University of Arizona School of Dance will also join the concert with Duke Ellington’s big band version of The Nutcracker. Holidays in Tucson with Orkesta Mendoza and the UA School of Dance, conducted by José Luis Gomez, is presented Saturday, December 13 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, December 14 at 2:00 pm in Linda Ronstadt Music Hall.
“We extend our heartfelt support and best wishes to our friends in Calexico during this difficult time,” said Paul Meecham, TSO president and CEO. “We are thrilled that Orkesta Mendoza, another iconic voice of the Southwest, can join us at short notice to create an unforgettable holiday experience for our community.”
Speaking of the cancellation, Calexico announced: “It’s with great sadness that we share some personal news from the band. A close family member of Joey’s is facing a very serious illness. As a result, he and John have made the difficult decision to cancel all upcoming Calexico performances so he can be present to focus on his family’s health. The TSO holiday shows will go on as planned, with our dear friends Orkesta Mendoza replacing Calexico, and it’s sure to be a wonderful evening of music.”
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. 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. 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 heard sounds 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. He has arranged projects like Esto Sí Es Cumbia for Los Ángeles Azules, the tribute album Un Mundo Raro: Las Canciones de José Alfredo Jiménez, and co-produced several albums with Joey Burns and John Convertino of Calexico, showcasing musicians from all regions to form a distinctive sound. Mendoza is proud to present an evening of original music with friends and visionaries in their own right, featuring singer and percussionist Ozy Acosta along with Tucson’s very own Salvador Duran.