The Latin Alternative Music Conference won’t be held in LA this summer, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be getting some of the best acts of the genre.

Rock en espaÔøΩol, or Latin alternative, draws lots of attention not only from the bilingual Chicanos and Latinos like myself, but also from Gueros like Nic Harcourt. Some bands and artists are homegrown in cities like LA and Austin, while others come from Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela and Colombia.

Tonight I’ll be heading out to Verano Alternativo 2006 at the Knitting Factory.
I’ve heard great things about one of the bands on the lineup, Maneja Beto (MySpace) from friends in Austin.

My dusty dancing shoes will be getting some practice soon.

Rock en EspaÔøΩol concert dates/venues coming up after the jump.

Friday, July 28
Quetzal (LA), Quinto Sol (East LA) and Maneja Beto (Austin) at Temple Bar

Saturday, July 29

Barrio Economy benefit with Fandango Sin Fronteras (collective made up of Zach de la Rocha, members from Quetzal and Ozomatli and others), Maneja Beto (Austin), Aztlan Underground (East LA), Mezcla (LA), Sahua (East LA) at Self Help Graphics

KCRW’s Sounds Eclectico Evening with Nortec Collective (Tijuana) and Mexican Institute of Sound (Mexico City) at California Plaza

Tuesday, August 1
Manu Chao (France/Spain) and Kinky (Monterrey) at the Shrine Expo Center

Wednesday, August 2
Plastilina Mosh (Monterrey), NiÔøΩo Astronauta (Ensenada) and DJ Santi (Anaheim) at the Knitting Factory

Saturday, August 12
Liquits (Mexico City) and Los Abandoned (Van Nuys) at the Knitting Factory

Gustavo Cerati (Argentina) at the Wiltern

Sunday, August 13
Gustavo Cerati (Argentina) at the House of Blues-Sunset Strip

Rock Prendido with Molotov (Mexico), Zoe and Delux

Thursday, August 17
Amigos Invisibles (Venezuela) at Avalon Hollywood

Friday, August 18
Los Pinguos (Argentina), Cava and Las Rubias del Norte (New York) at Temple Bar

Los Lonely Boys (San Angelo, Texas) and Del Castillo (Austin) at the Greek Theatre

For more events, check out LATV Live’s Calendar