About
Anthropologist, Musician, Folklorist, and More.
Russell C. Rodríguez has extensive experience as a cultural worker, academic, and accomplished artist. He is currently an assistant professor in the Music Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
PC: Nicole Perez
What’s New?
Check out the latest news, events, and publications.
University Folklorico Summit Lists Rodríguez as 2018 Presenter
UFS 2018 “Bailando Sin Fronteras” will take place at the University of California, Santa Cruz on February 2, 3 & 4 and[…]
Macario Official Trailer Out Now
Check out the official trailer for Macario from Teatro Visión. Music by Rodríguez.
Rodríguez Wins the Américo Paredes Prize
“Every year, the Cultural Diversity Committee, the Chicana/Chicano Section, and the Folklore Latino, Latinoamericano, y Caribeño Section join with the AFS Executive Board[…]
On Stage
Mariachi to Rasquache
Rodríguez is a gigging musician primarily in the Bay Area and the South Ba. He regularly appears with Mariachi Tapatio, Rasquache Liberation Front and works as the musical director for the Teatro Vision’s Dia de los Muertos presentations of Macario or La Muerte Baila.
In the Classroom
Assistant Professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz since 2017
Rodríguez provides a series of courses of Mexicano, Chicano and Latin American musical expression, emphasizing notions of conviviality and accompaniment. He is privileged to work with both graduate and undergraduate students in the department of music and other disciplines. Beyond the academic work, he is also the faculty advisor for both student organizations, Mariachi Eterno de UCSC and Los Mejicas de UCSC.
Affiliations and Collaborators
Alliance for California Traditional Arts
Board Member
Musical Director, Composer, Arranger
Band Member, Composer, Arranger
Guitarist
Select Works
Album Release with Rasquache Liberation Front
Check out the premiere album by the Rasquache Liberation Front, produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos and Chris Gonzalez Clarke. Rodríguez is featured as a co-composer, arranger and musician. The self titled album is available on all major platforms.
Américo Paredes Prize Awarded by the American Folklore Society
Rodríguez was awarded the Américo Paredes award by the Cultural Diversity Committee, the Chicana/Chicano Section, and the Folklore Latino, Latinoamericano, y Caribeño Section in collaboration with the AFS Executive Board.
Concert curated by ACTA at the Library of Congress
Check out Rodríguez in his role as a curator and presenter with the Alliance for California Traditional Arts. Presenting the program Masters of Son Jarocho master players at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
Album Curation with Smithsonian Folkways
Check out ROLAS DE AZTLÁN by Various Artists, curated by Rodríguez for the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings Label.
