Rasquache Liberation Front

Rasquache Liberation Front (RLF) is a Chicano rock and Mexican blues group from California’s South Bay. Their music blends cumbia, garage rock, son jarocho, jarocho blues, and lowrider folk, reflecting the diverse traditions of the region’s Chicano community. The band’s debut album, produced by GRAMMY‑winning Los Lobos member Steve Berlin, draws on themes of migration, memory, and everyday life, delivered with a style they describe as rasquachismo — resourceful, unpolished, and full of character2.

RLF’s live shows combine electric and acoustic elements, with guitar, bass, percussion, and vocals creating a mix of danceable rhythms and storytelling. Their single “Aie Cumbia” has been noted for its distinctive blend of blues‑influenced guitar and cumbia grooves, offering a sound that works in both intimate venues and outdoor festivals.

For 3rdThursday on California Avenue in Palo Alto, RLF will bring a set that reflects their cross‑cultural influences and community‑driven approach. Audiences can expect original songs alongside re‑imagined traditional pieces, all arranged to encourage dancing and connection.

Whether performing locally or at regional events, Rasquache Liberation Front focuses on sharing music that bridges styles and generations. Their appearance at 3rdThursday offers a chance to experience a band rooted in tradition but open to new sounds, in a setting that celebrates community and live performance.