Tacos, cornbread, and the Aztec god who yanks hearts out have nothing in common anywhere in the world — except for 30 miles north of Ames — where the three elements share the common interest of power rock.

Meet Taco, the outspoken guitarist who plays with Dave “Cornbread” Baker in the Des Moines outfit Bocca Saint, which, of course, was taken from the Aztec god who rips hearts out.

“We wanted a name that didn’t mean anything [musically],” Taco admitted.

Influenced by the entire spectrum of music, from Korn to Snoop Doggy Dog to The Doors, members of Bocca Saint describe themselves as a power group, aiming to achieve a professional sound.

“All of our talent is above par,” Taco said. “Everyone who has seen us says we sound real tight.”

Taco and Bocca Saint frontman Graham Jennings, who met when Jennings drummed for one of Taco’s previous projects, had the idea to start a heavy band late last year.

In March, the group stabilized by adding Baker to play bass and a guy by the name of Todd to beat the drums.

Taco said there has never been a label that can be given to describe the Bocca Saint sound.

“[Jennings] will put singing, rapping, and a growl voice all into one song,” Taco said. “It is definitely on the heavier side. I have heard people compare us to Sevendust, but I think you would have to come out and see for yourself.”

Bocca Saint recently finished recording its debut album and is preparing to do the final mastering before it will be ready for release.

Bocca Saint is like most of the aspiring local bands in that their main goal is to get a record deal.

“We won’t accept anything less,” he said.

Taco believes the central Iowa music scene has been a good place to grow as a band.

“Everyone is real accepting of us,” he said. “And all the bands are good buds, so if they have a chance, they will hook us up with some shows, and if we can, we’ll do the same thing for them.”

Taco is hoping that Budhafest will bring out a lot of people to show support for the local scene and that lesser-known bands can get some recognition.

“There are some great groups playing that are sort of garage-type bands, but are easily good enough to play the bar scene,” Taco said. “I’m hoping they can get heard.”

Budhafest is Saturday from noon until midnight at Clearwater Beach on Grand Avenue in Des Moines. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster outlets for $10 in advance or $15 at the gate.