Gustavo Rodriguez Bio: Born in Colorado City, Texas of a single parent family with 9 siblings. Gustavo was raised in a small west Texas town, Sterling City, TX. His early musical influences were KJST Radio station out of San Angelo, Texas and frequent visits from about age 12 on up, to El Paraiso Ballroom also of San Angelo, TX; where an array of live music and a wide variety of genres such as cumbia, tropical, ballenato colombiano and ranchera were performed and promoted. At the age of 24 Gustavo had moved to Muncie Indiana to live with family. Being a Chicano away from his homeland, Gustavo witnessed many injustices and ill treatment of his people. He grew even more interested in history in which he promulgates in his songs. The longer Gustavo lived away from his homeland, the more he missed the culture of his people. A year later, Gustavo moved to San Antonio, Texas bringing back his experiences in song. He continued writing music in San Antonio. After being in San Antonio for a week, Gustavo made a trip to Austin, Texas where his creativity and talent were greatly appreciated by locals. Gustavo returned to San Antonio only to bid his thanks to a relative whom he was staying with. Austin Bound! Residing in Austin only brought coal to the fire. Almost immediately, Gustavo started performing at local open mikes. He eventually formed a band called "Los Locos." Los Locos continued playing for about 10 years to then fizzle out due to trademark on the band name, band members getting married, and members moving out of town. After being on "pause" for about a year, Gustavo decided to continue his mission as a self-proclaimed troubadour promoting history, social justice, human rights and love for humanity. It was on February 2001 that the Gustavo Rodriguez Band (GRB) was created. A new epoch in musical evolution. Over 20 years in Austin TX, Gustavo has performed at many local venues and restaurants such as The White Rabbit, Fat Tuesday's, Calle 8, the Vibe, the Mercury, the Ritz, Nuno's Bar and Grill (all on 6th street), El Mercado Mexican Restaurant, Casa Loma Wimbereley, Nuevo leon, Antonio's Tex-Mex, La Palapa and Baby Acapulco's Mexican Restaurants. Festivals include: The Bob Marley Festival (as Los Locos for 7 years and Gustavo Rodriguez Band [GRB] for 11 years), Spade and Nuder Festival in 2002, Eyors Birthday in 2002, Human Rights/Social Justice protest/functions, City of Austin, Latin Festival 2007, Mizu: Prime Steak and Sushi, Beso Cantina, 1st down & Stassney, Stompin' Grounds, Paradise Cafe on 6th, Flamingo Cantina, Jovitas, Ruta Maya Coffee House, and Guadalupe Jamaica's of Our Lady of Guadalupe Austin TX. The Gustavo Rodriguez Band recorded and released there 1st Album in the Summer of 2011 and is available on iTunes. GRB Members are: Joe Zito on Bass Guitar; Mike Blue on Lead Guitar, Scott Ramirez on Trap Kit; and Luiz Coutinho de Sauza on Percussion. For a live feed, check out www.Facebook.com/GustavoRodriguezBand
