The Band
Rudy "Bub" Villa - Vocals / Saxophone
Born on June 12, 1949, in San Bernardino, California, Rudy "Bub" Villa grew up in Chino and Ontario, California. He began playing his first instrument, the clarinet, at age 9. Initially self-taught, he learned to read music by the time he was 12, in the 7th grade. Throughout high school, Bub was an active participant in the school concert band, stage band, and marching band.
Bub's first band was a surf band called “The Outcasts,” and over the years, he played in various local bands, Tex Mex combos, and duos. Eventually, he began playing clubs with his first full-time group called “Express,” which later changed its name to “Stained Glass.”
In 1971, Bub met Rudy Salas through a group called “One Flight Up” when Rudy substituted for their guitar player, who eventually left the group. Rudy stayed on, and over time, shared his concept for TIERRA with Bub. After a few more gigs, both Bub and Rudy left to establish TIERRA, along with David Torres, Albert Bustillos, and eventually Steve Salas. The group officially started performing in 1972.
Between 1972 and 1978, TIERRA recorded two albums, “TIERRA” and “STRANDED,” while performing at various nightclubs, community gigs, and concert venues throughout Los Angeles, San Diego, Tucson, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Santa Barbara, Montclair, Riverside, and other surrounding areas. During this time, the band went through many personnel changes.
Bub left the group at the end of 1978 for personal reasons unrelated to the band. From 1978 to 1997, he led his own bands, including “Crosstown All-Stars,” “Easy,” and “Double Vision.” Despite this, he always kept in touch with Rudy Salas and frequently attended TIERRA's performances. In February 1997, he received a call from Rudy asking if he would like to return, and he accepted.
Currently, Bub serves as the bandleader for TIERRA and is the last active original member, dedicated to keeping TIERRA's music alive and moving forward.
Rogelio "Roger" Rivas- Keyboard
Rogelio (Roger) Rivas, hailing from South Central Los Angeles, is a highly skilled keyboardist whose journey with Tierra has been both profound and impactful. Roger was introduced to Rudy Salas in 1987 by Ron Guerrero, Tierra's sound engineer at the time. Initially, Roger was brought on as a substitute keyboardist for a few gigs. His talent quickly became evident, leading to a pivotal moment in 1990 when Rudy asked him to join Tierra on their tour in Japan. After the tour, Roger was invited to become a full-time member of the band.
Roger's musical journey with Tierra spanned 18 years until 2005. During this time, he played a significant role in the band's success. After leaving Tierra, Roger continued to collaborate with Rudy Salas both in the recording studio and live performances. Following Rudy's passing, Roger rejoined Tierra in 2021, bringing his extensive experience and deep connection to the band back into the fold.
Roger's musical roots are firmly planted in R&B, Soul, Funk, and the music of Mexico. Although mostly self-taught, his musical journey began with piano lessons at the age of five, which he abandoned at nine to play baseball. His passion for music was reignited in middle school when he joined a band despite initially doubting his abilities. Roger's father, a singer and drummer, covering songs by legendary artists like Pedro Infante and Ramon Ayala, remains his greatest influence.
In the late 80s, Roger co-wrote three songs that charted in the top 20 across "freestyle" and "club music" genres in major cities such as Miami, New York, and Los Angeles, thanks to a record deal with Sheik Records. His career has been marked by collaborations with members of War, El Chicano, Malo, and Thee Midniters, either substituting as a keyboardist or performing as part of the East LA All-Star ensemble. Roger has also played in backing bands for renowned artists such as the Emotions, Brother's Johnson, Al Wilson, and James Brown.
With Tierra, Roger has shared the stage with musical legends including James Brown, Huey Lewis and the News, The Stylistics, Etta James, Jose Feliciano, and many others. He has performed in iconic venues like The Greek Theater, the Rose Bowl, LA Coliseum, and Red Rocks, and has been featured on regional and national television.
Roger's discography with Tierra includes keyboard credits on albums such as "Cafe East LA," "Dos Mundos," "Latin Legends Live," "Street Corner Gold," "Tierra's Greatest Hits," and "Tierra's Greatest Love Songs." His contributions have been recognized through numerous performances at prestigious events, including the National Council of La Raza, Arnold Schwarzenegger's governor reception, and the grand opening of the Cheech Museum. He has also been honored as a member of Tierra at the San Diego Zoo Chicano exhibit.
Roger continues to write and record music, recently co-writing two songs with members of the Long Beach Dub All-stars. His enduring dedication to music and his substantial contributions to Tierra have earned him and the band the "Tierra Day" award presented by the city of Los Angeles.
Victor Cisneros - Tenor Sax/ Vocals
Victor Cisneros, a native of Los Angeles, CA, has been a dynamic force in the world of music for decades. He joined Tierra in 1991, after being invited by the then lead singer Mike Jimenez and Rudy Salas to audition for the band. His exceptional talent secured him a spot, and he has been an integral part of Tierra ever since.
Before his journey with Tierra, Victor was a member of the East Los Angeles pop group EKO from 1976 to 1983. During his time with EKO, he recorded one album and several singles, making a significant mark on the local music scene. His career continued to flourish as he toured the country in 1998 with radio personality MG Kelly and the Hitmen, showcasing his versatility and passion for performance.
Since joining Tierra, Victor has played a crucial role in the band's success, contributing his skills on the tenor sax and vocals. Over the past 33 years, he has recorded on 11 album releases and has toured extensively across the US and Japan. His dedication and talent have been instrumental in shaping Tierra's sound and legacy, earning him a well-deserved reputation as a distinguished musician in the Latin pop genre.
Agustin "Mario" Quiroga- Guitar/ Vocals
Agustin "Mario" Quiroga, born and raised in Pacoima, found himself on a remarkable path when he auditioned for Tierra in 2021. Despite not having a traditional music background, Mario's innate talent and passion for music shine through in his role as the band's guitarist and vocalist.
By day, Mario works as a construction worker, but his true joy lies in playing the guitar and sharing his soulful vocals with others. Despite his modest beginnings and lack of formal training, Mario's talent shines through in every chord he strums and every note he sings.
Influenced by artists like Sixto Rodriguez, James Taylor, and The Beatles, Mario has developed a unique musical style that resonates with audiences far and wide. Joining Tierra was a dream come true for Mario, a humble achievement that he holds close to his heart.
As he continues to share his music with the world, Mario remains grounded in his roots and grateful for the opportunity to pursue his passion alongside his fellow band members. With each performance, Mario humbly reminds us that greatness can be found in the simplest of dreams and the most sincere of hearts.
Phillip Ruiz- Percussion
Phillip Ruiz, originally from Riverside, CA, and now residing in Murrieta, CA, officially joined Tierra in August 2022. His journey with the band began when Rudy “Bub” Villa invited him to join after being recommended by Joe Mendez. Phillip's deep-rooted passion for percussion and drums has made him an invaluable addition to Tierra.
Phillip's musical journey started at an early age; he began playing drums at just five years old and landed his first paid professional gig at 14. He received a comprehensive musical education in various genres of percussion and drums from grade school through college. At 19, Phillip expanded his repertoire to include timbales and other world percussion instruments. His professional career, which began in 1995, has seen him collaborate with a wide range of artists and groups, from local acts to international sensations.
His earliest influences include legendary drummers such as Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Steve Jordan. Over time, he found inspiration in percussionists like Trilok Gurtu and Airto Moreira. A pivotal moment in his career was a chance meeting with Santana's percussionist, Karl Perazzo, who became his mentor and a major source of inspiration. This mentorship led Phillip to immerse himself in the styles of bands like Santana, Ozomatli, Malo, and Tierra.
Joining Tierra has been a dream come true for Phillip, especially after his first opportunity to sit in with the band when he was just 20 years old. His role as the band's percussionist is a testament to his dedicated passion and the unwavering support of his family. Phillip expresses his deep gratitude for being part of the iconic group and dedicates his success and time with Tierra to his late father, David Ruiz.
Phillip continues to be inspired by his journey and the opportunity to contribute to Tierra's legacy, embodying the dedication and passion that have driven his musical career for decades.
Manny Mendoza - Multi Instrumentalist
Manny Mendoza, originally from San Fernando, CA, and now residing in Piru, CA, joined Tierra in 2018 as a versatile multi-instrumentalist. His journey into music began at a young age, playing mariachi with his school group, Los Halcones de San Fernando Middle School. He further honed his skills at the prestigious Hamilton Music Academy in Los Angeles and has been performing around the city since 1998.
Manny's talent and dedication have led him to perform with an array of notable artists and bands. He was featured on the album "Jammin at the Baked Potato" by Walfredo Reyes Jr. and his band Wally World. Additionally, he has shared the stage with legendary acts such as WAR, Roy Z, Ricardo Lemvo, Joe Garcia, Jerry Salas, Ersi Arvizu, Freda Payne, Lenny Castro, Carmine Appice, Bobby Watson, Ino Alvarez, Joey Heredia, Brandon Fields, Sal Rodriguez, The Hard Water Band, and The Midnight Rider Band, among others.
As a member of Tierra since 2018, Manny has been repeatedly called upon by Rudy and Joanna Salas to showcase his skills on drums, guitar, and bass. His diverse musical background and ability to seamlessly transition between instruments have made him an invaluable asset to the band.
A lifelong Beatles fan, Manny's musical influences are deeply rooted in his family's legacy. His father was a musician in various bands in Texas during the 1960s, sharing the stage with iconic groups like Little Joe y La Familia and Sunny and The Sunliners. Growing up, Manny was exposed to a rich tapestry of musical genres, including Afro Latin Jazz, Tejano, Rock, R&B, Bossa Nova, Reggae, and various world musics, all of which have shaped his unique sound and style.
Manny Mendoza's dedication to his craft and his ability to adapt to various musical roles make him a remarkable and cherished member of Tierra.