How Banda La Experta, a local Phoenix Mexican banda, unites music and soccer fans

Music is the soul of our cultura. It follows us everywhere, present in our day-to-day lives — in celebration, in heartbreak and among many significant moments of our lives. It is a sentiment that Banda La Experta shares deeply with our culture. 

The 15-member group was formed with the purpose of building something unique for the people of La Phoeniquera. Their goal at every appearance is to bring energy and life to every environment they are part of, creating moments where they can connect directly with fans.

The Mexican banda — founded in 2021 by members whose roots are in various Mexican states like Sinaloa, Sonora and Jalisco — created a vision around this, and now they’re a recognizable presence throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, leading them to perform outside of major stadiums like State Farm Stadium and Chase Field, showcasing their pride and support of their favorite sports teams, especially the Mexican national soccer team.

This year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup could bring them out once more come June 28, when the Arizona Cardinals’ home stadium in Glendale hosts two quarterfinal matches. As predicted, Mexico is already assured a spot, sizing up against Saudi Arabia in the final match of the day.

Over the years, soccer enthusiasts and Banda La Experta followers have come together to celebrate, dance and immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural atmosphere. When La Experta rolls up to play, often without anyone hiring them to do so, the sound of each instrument — trumpets, percussion, trombones and more — blends into one powerful voice. As the music intensifies, so does the energy of the crowd.

“We want people to know our music, who we are, and for them to have a good time. Seeing people enjoy themselves and spending time with them is what brings us joy. Large or small gatherings, we do it for the people,” said vocalist Daniel Mendoza. 

This is the beauty of music and sports; they bring people together.

Their outside stadium performances are arranged through promoters or clients of theirs who partake in Gold Cup events. 

Fans uniquely express their national pride by wearing Mexico jerseys from years past, sombreros and sarapes, painting their faces and representing their nation's tri-color flag with the iconic eagle and snake.

As soon as their instruments begin to play, the crowd lights up. People dance — or as we say in Spanish, zapatean — to the rhythm of the music. Zapatear means to hit the ground with your feet as you dance, a proud expression of joy and tradition.

Each post-game Banda La Experta performance is uniquely coordinated.

They like to shake things up, sometimes heading to tailgate parties before the match, leading fan marches from the stadium to Westgate to keep the party going after a game or even putting on full concerts outside the stadium. 

It’s no surprise that Valley locals seek out the band as the match day nears — whether it’s a Gold Cup Mexico quarterfinal match or another major event. It’s become a ritual to witness La Experta.

The band specializes in Regional Mexican music, and during match day performances, they stick to traditional tunes. A lineup of the songs includes “La Cuichi”, “El son de la Rabia” and “El Sinaloense” — all crowd favorites.

Banda members also enjoy expressing their love for the game and for their team, donning the Mexican jersey or that of their favorite Liga MX team, cheering on the players from the stands.

Alan Morales, vocalist for Banda La Experta, shared that they embrace the recognition from the fans. “We are delighted with their joy and liveliness,” he said.

When asked about their most memorable moment so far, Mendoza said, “These performances leave a mark, the emotion is indescribable. You have to be there to experience it.”

These moments are what they envisioned when they first assembled the band four years ago. Their purpose and the results of their work have enabled them to create unique moments, build a brand and an essence that people seek and connect with. 

While the banda has yet to officially confirm its presence during the June 28 Gold Cup quarterfinal match at State Farm Stadium, Morales and Mendoza said they were confident that they would be present. 

They said they’re ready to energize the crowd, celebrate a victory or lift spirits in case the Mexican national team fails to go on to the semifinals. 

Morales said that in many instances, they’ve used their music to cheer up the fans. Mendoza echoed the words of famous Mexican soccer player, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez: “¿Y por qué no soñar en grande? ¡Sí se puede!”

Johanna Rosalye Luna is an independent journalist and freelance writer for CALÓ News Arizona. She is a Phoenix native who grew up in the Garfield district. Rosalye studied journalism at Arizona State University and Communications at the University of Phoenix. Her reporting interests include community, social issues and sports.