The Guadalajaran

Cielito Lindo Plays at Casa Guadalajara

Imagine it’s 1920. You live in abject poverty, and the Great Depression just north of the border of your home in Mexico is looming. Your father suddenly passes away, and now it’s just you and  your brother. And you are 12 years old.

A sad story, isn’t it? Not for Filemon Rodriguez. He and his brother used what resource they had, a harp in their living room, and taught themselves how to play music by ear. No lessons, just learning by playing the same songs over and over. The boys scratched out a living by playing music in the streets. Not only did they scratch out a living, but a family profession that is now in it’s third generation was born.

Filemon went on to have a family of his own: 4 boys and 3 girls. One of his sons, Luciano Rodriguez, became a professional musician. His band, Cielito Lindo, has been playing at Casa Guadalajara since 1996. Their repertoire includes over 2000 songs. And it all started with his father learning to play on a harp to feed his family.

Casa Guadalajara is known as one of the finest San Diego Mexican Restaurants. Our food and our margaritas are legendary. We consider Cielito Lindo to be just as important an ingredient of our success. Visit our website at http://www.casaguadalajara.com and click on “Entertainment” at the top of the page. You’ll be taken to the schedule of Cielito Lindo. Make it a date to come, have dinner and hear this amazing group of talented musicians with such a rich heritage of playing their music with passion. It’s part of what makes Casa Guadalajara the most unique mexican restaurant in San Diego.