The Carnivaleros

The Carnivaleros are a Tucson, Arizona-based band led by multi-instrumentalist Gary Mackender, serving up a spicy Southwestern sonic stew since the early 2000s. Blending Tex-Mex, rock, and rootsy Americana with a dash of dark humor, their sound features accordion, trumpet, and twangy guitars, often wrapped in quirky storytelling. Recent releases like *Strictly Tabu* and *Step Right Up!* showcase their knack for crafting catchy, narrative-driven tunes that swing from playful ("Happy Homestead") to slyly existential ("Lost In The Graveyard"). Known for energetic live shows, they’ve become a beloved fixture in the Southwest music scene, channeling desert mystique and carnival-esque charm into every track.