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
I’d hesitate to equate rock en espa√±ol with Latin Alternative. They’re quite different genres.