It’s incredibly rare to eat well on tour. The slew of cheap and fast food makes spending actual amounts of money on food while on tour borderline stupidity. And yet, every now and then you find yourself in a very lucky situation.

Myself and the rest of Carridale found ourselves in just such a situation just a few days ago in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. One of our very good friends from back home in Alabama moved up to the Boston area and has been working as the Sous Chef of Aquitaine, a five-star French Bistro. After two years of not seeing him, he invited us down and offered to treat us to dinner.

We arrived at the restaurant right after they had closed down, post-lunch time. They close for a few hours between their lunch and dinner rushes, which is an alien thing for us punk rock fellas from Alabama. I didn’t know that was a thing.

We were then brought in and sat in the back by our friend, foregoing the line of people waiting for the joint to open back up.

Right along the busy Hollywood Blvd is an indiscreet, unmarked entrance that would only catch your attention once the bouncers have made themselves comfortable and the ropes have been set up. I had been going in circles trying to find Dim Mak Studios, where Korean rock band Galaxy Express were to play. I had seen them during SXSW in Austin, Texas, and wanted to see what the experience would be like in Los Angeles.

It seemed like a happening area, even after the show was over. Standing bodies filled the sidewalk waiting to get into the nearby restaurant Beso or into Dim Mak Studios for another performance. Definitely a club vibe.

Going inside, I immediately found myself in a small stairway that led to a dimly lit open space with a few couches and a bar. It looked very nice and was very unexpected after seeing the plain exterior. That was no place for a band to play though, so I continued to walk on following the voice of on-stage banter.

I had walked into an even bigger room, with a lit stage and a raised area in the back right near another bar.

Coming in to the sounds of galactic sounds of Galaxy Express was the best feeling, as it brought back memories of being in Austin, Texas, during their tour last year amidst the SXSW craziness. Seeing a band in one city definitely leaves an impression that you may or may not notice, and that experience sticks with you. I couldn’t help compare the two shows. While the Austin shows (I saw them at Tom’s Tabooley and at the UT campus) sure brought back familiar memories, I can’t ignore the fact that more fans came out in Los Angeles.

Setlist:

1. Noise on Fire (from Noise on Fire)
2. Cha! Cha! Cha! Cha! (from Galaxy Express)
3. Soldier (from Noise on Fire)
4. Daybreak Snowfield (from Noise on Fire)
5. Horongbul (A Little Lamp) (from Galaxy Express)
6. Dawn (from Noise on Fire)
7. Jungle the Black (from Noise on Fire)
8. Bye Bye Planet (from Noise on Fire)

Fans were dancing to the songs and reciprocating the energy that Galaxy Express so expertly and enthusiastically exudes. I couldn’t help admiring the band’s performance — it had just as much intensity back in Texas even when the crowd was not as big.

Galaxy Express had built up the energy throughout the set and near the end, the release was a spectacle to watch. Bodies swung, guitars spun dangerously on their straps, and band members hopped atop one another. A two-tier music monstrosity wobbled about the stage, the members still playing and hyping up the audience until the very last second. The end of the power-packed set must have been disorienting for a crowd that had been consumed in a heavy noise just moments before.

Between sets, there was a male and female host smartly dressed and equipped with mics to provide commentary and introduce the rest of the bands: Goonam, Lowdown 30, and No Brain. Goonam play retro-electro rock and put on a fun, danceable live show, Lowdown 30 do laid back blues rock with a punch, and No Brain’s punk ended the action-packed night with a crazy frontman that fed off of the wild crowd of jumping, singing, stage-diving fans.

It was a great end to Galaxy Express’ US tour, their third American tour since 2011, and followed up by the Korea Rocks UK tour earlier this month.

–Smez

–

top image: Galaxy Express courtesy photo

This year’s South by Southwest was definitely one for the books. For a week, performances, showcases, and damn tourist traffic took over the city of Austin. And if you missed it, I’m terribly sorry.

Although many big performers were in town, including the Flaming Lips headlining at Auditorium Shores, I focused on seeing smaller groups and bands. Here’s a recap of my SXSW experience.

As South By 2013 fades into a distant, wild, hungover memory, the fun doesn’t stop for Texas. Here’s a list of upcoming music festivals here in Austin and other cities:

Texas Thunder 2013 – Gardendale, TX                           May 17-19

Richardson Wildflower Festival, Richardson, TX            May 17-19

Kerrville Folk Festival- Kerrville TX                                 May 23-June 9

Neon Desert Music Festival 2013 – El Paso, TX           May 25

River City Rockfest 2013 – San Antonio, TX                  May 26

Chaos in Tejas 2013 – Austin, TX                                  May 30- June 2

Free Press Summer Fest 2013 – Houston, TX            June 1-2

video and text by Jesse Crouse 

additional: video intro graphic by Sonia Melendez, list compiled by Elizabeth Blancas

One of the most awesome nights of my life happened last month when I saw Girl In A Coma, an amazing chicana/Latina rock girl group, play at Fitzgerald’s in Houston, Texas.

Girl in a Coma is a trio is based deep in the heart of San Antonio, Texas, and consists of two sisters, Phanie and Nina Diaz and longtime friend, Jenn Alva. The band’s music contains upbeat, rocking guitar riffs mixed with influences from The Smiths, Jeff Buckley, Elvis, and Patsy Cline.

Ever since the night my sister showed me their cover of Selena’s “Si Una Vez,” I’ve been in love with this band. So seeing Girl In a Coma play was an awesome experience. They played with Another Run and Pinata Protest, and although these opening acts rocked out, it was truly Girl In A Coma’s night.

Girl In A Coma opened up with a hardcore tune called “BB” and the crowd went wild, no lie. A few people even started moshing. Even for those unfamiliar with this band, it’d be hard not to have fun at one of their shows. This show lived up to Texas’ big reputation: there was an onstage make-out session, crowd surfing, and a super romantic proposal!

The band delivers excellent live performances packed full of energy and awesome surprises on top of music that is already top quality on its own. I love Girl In A Coma not only for their amazing talent and raw energy, but also for the message they send. With two members being openly gay and the whole group being comprised of powerful Latina (or Mexican-American) women, they truly are an inspiration to be your true self and to follow your dreams all the way.

Hopefully I’ve made you really jealous by now, but not to worry. I’m not just bragging and fawning over Girl In A Coma. I’m giving you a head’s up, because this band is coming back to town.

Mark your calendars: Girl In A Coma will be opening up for The Smashing Pumpkins on May 15th, 2013, at The Bayou Music Center in Houston, TX.

In the meantime, have a listen to one of my favorite songs from this amazing band, “Smart” from their latest album, Exits & All The Rest.

Check them out at www.girlinacoma.com.

–words and images by Manda Cantu

Thinking back and trying to recall the first time I heard Café Tacvba is impossible. The music, the songs, the cassettes, were always there. My dad blasted the music on the stereo, and I soaked it all up before I could even read or sing to the “Wheels on the Bus.”

As I grew up and continued to listen to their music, they became one of my favorite bands. But I was never able to go to one of their concerts. When I found out that Café Tacvba was headlining the NPR showcase at Auditorium Shores during SXSW, I knew I had to be there.

With the Latin Alternative showcase line-up including Jovanatti, Bajofondo, Molotov, and Cafeta, I expected a large crowd near the stage early on. I was wrong. Though I arrived half an hour after the gates had opened, the crowd near the stage was sparse. It was nothing like what I expected. Food and drinks in hand, I was ready to stand my ground for my spot for the next six hours.

As it neared 5 p.m. and the crowd became larger, radio personality El Conejo finally introduced Italian pop artist rapper Jovanotti to the anxious crowd. His funky pop quickly spurred the dancers in the crowd. He even gave us a little Italian translation as he explained that coraggio meant bravery before playing the actual song. Language was no barrier. Though his rhymes were in another language, the crowd quickly picked up on the chorus and sang along. This was only a taste of the variety of music people heard that night.

Following Jovanatti was Bajofondo, labeled as the electro tango collective, but they proved to be much more than that. After a very late start, the Argentinean and Uruguayan group started things slow with very depressing cinematic type of orchestrated music. Attendees stared in silence with a dazed look on their face not really knowing how to react. To those not familiar with their music, it was certainly a false impression. Their music quickly escalated as the violin and accordion began playing “Codigo de Barra” off their most recent album “Presente.” From then on, it was an instrumental set that mixed pop and electronica with hints of tango orchestra throughout their songs. After the crowd realized there wasn’t going to be any singing, all that was left to do was dance. “Pa’ Bailar” from their album “Mar Dulce” sure made the crowd dance.

Though there was no need for vocals, Bajofondo definitely took it to another level with “Miles de Pasajeros.” They surprised the crowd with some rapping, but it wasn’t the rhymes that were impressive. The unassuming Gustavo Santaolalla played the guitar during the set and when it was his turn to stand in front of the microphone, it was just…incredible. His deep and powerful voice mesmerized the crowd. He held the same note in a flat tone with such intensity that it turned his face red, the crowd cheering over his resonating voice.

After Bajofondo played a shorter than expected set, the crowd restlessly waited for the politically controversial Grammy winners Molotov. And with their arrival came the profanity, chaos, and Mexican pride. The Mexico City rock band began their performance with “Rock Me Amadeus (Amateur),” but all it took was the band’s introduction “el que no brinque que chingue su madre” to “Chinga tu Madre” for the real havoc to begin. Crowd surfers, the usual jumping, pushing, shoving, and mosh pits dominated the show. Molotov shifted to a more serious tone with the unmistakable guitar introduction to “Gimme Tha Power,” and the crowd shouted to the “Viva Mexico cabrones” in the song as the Mexican flag proudly waved in the crowd. The controversial songs continued with “Frijolero” as people sang along with a hint of anger in their voice. Even Jason, the creator of the music video, came on stage to sing along with the band.

With each and every song building up more energy, there was no time to rest. Even if I wanted to stop jumping for a moment, it was impossible. The crowd was unstoppable as their sweaty bodies pushed up against mine, forcing me to jump along. And they were ignited even more every time they heard the band say “el que no brinque es puto.”  Sometime in between all the craziness, my phone fell from my front pocket. Surprisingly, someone found it a couple of feet away and returned it. Even more shocking was that my phone was not broken after the entire set culminated to the song the crowd had been chanting throughout the whole performance: “Puto.” And with the excessive profanity, Molotov ended their set to an exhausted but satisfied crowd.

Even though Molotov was just exactly what was needed to rally the crowd, I was glad to finally have a small break to catch my breath. Looking around, I could see that those around me looked just as sweaty and tired as I did, but Café Tacvba still awaited us. As we waited, the crowd sang the introduction to “El Baile y el Salon” and their intuition was right as los Tacubos began their set with that very song. Frontman Rubén Albarrán’s energy was contagious as his long and wild curly hair followed his every move, jump, and zapatazo (especially in “Ingrata”).

The crowd jumped around for “Volver a Comenzar” but slowed down to the ticking clock heard in the song and waved their hands back and forth in union until the song picked up the tempo. The band showed their variety in style as they played heavier rock with “No Controles” but rapped Chilango slang in “Chilanga Banda.” Fans, young and old, knew every word to songs from the early years such as “Las Persianas” and “La Chica Banda.” Unfortunately, not as many sang along to “Olita del Altamar,” from their recently released album “El Objeto Antes Llamado Disco.”

During their set, the band surprised the crowd when in mid-song all band members moved to the front of the stage and started dancing. Not jumping or headbanging, but an actual choreographed dance. For less than a minute, the rock en Español icons turned into a pop boy band group and the amused crowd whistled and cheered them on. As their set came to an end, the band came back for an encore where they played to a little too silent crowd that didn’t seem to know the lyrics to “De Este Lado del Camino” off their most recent album.

But the night wasn’t over yet; the song the crowd had been begging for was about to be sung. Albarrán left the stage and all focus was on Meme (Emmanuel del Real) as he sang my personal favorite, “Eres,” a love song with beautiful lyrics that can only ever be dedicated to the most significant other. Unfortunately the clock struck 10 p.m. and Meme’s sound was cut off, but there was no need for it. The misfortunate event turned into a memorable sing-along as fans sang their hearts out and finished the song. And with the band’s “gracias,” this night filled with amazing music came to an end.

–Elizabeth Blancas

Image: courtesy photo

Every year, South By South West is responsible for an invasion of thousands of artists, musicians, and festival-goers, turning Austin into a mecca of music, film, food, and good times. With so many diverse people rolling through the capital, being a witness to the rise of spring fashion trends is a safe bet. Check out some of the emerging trends we spotted throughout SXSW that are sure to have some staying power this spring!

GUYS

All Over Print Tees

Graphic tees have taken a backseat to bold and vivid all over prints, a clear nod to some throwback tee trends of the 90’s. Pairing with colored denim makes prints pop and solid accessories keep the look from becoming overwhelming.

Top: Neff Waldorf Tee (here)

Bottom: Obey Juvee Cord Work Pant (here)

Shoes: Vans Alomar Shoe (here)

Accessory: Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack (here)

Accessory: Obey Expedition 5 Panel Hat (here)

Accessory: Nixon Wrist Watch (similar here)

Short Sleeve Button Downs

Short sleeve button downs are nothing new, but there’s something about how they’re being outfitted this season that really makes them a popular hit. Rolled up sleeves and slim fitting chino pants keep the outfit clean and put together,  yet laid back and casual.

Top: Modern Amusement Wash Short Sleeve Denim Shirt (here)

Bottom: Volcom Darmody Chino Pant (here)

Shoes: Vans Authentic Grey (here)

Accessory: RVCA Shin Kicking Sock (here)

Accessory: Herschel Supply Co. Classic Backpack (here)

Accessory: Sector 9 Mana Longboard (here)

GIRLS

Crop Top Tanks and Bustiers

Crop tops have been circling around the fashion-sphere for a good minute, but more variety in girly, fashionable prints have given this trend a second wind. Pairing with high waisted shorts and simple Vans makes a great outfit in itself, but the addition of chunky jewelry and a Barbie pink lipstick gives it a creative twist.

Top: Billabong Little Mama Bralette (here)

Bottom: High Waisted Black Shorts (similar here)

Shoes: Vans Authentic Lo Pro (here)

Bag: Kimchi Blue Chain Pouch (here)

Accessory: Topshop Multi Triangular Hoop Earrings (here)

Makeup: MAC St. Germain Lipstick (here)

Makeup: Lorac Front of the Line Waterproof Eyeliner (here)

Oversized Flannels and Thigh Highs

It’s hard to go wrong with a body-hugging black dress, and pairing it with your favorite oversized men’s flannel and some chunky combat boots plays up the oddly large proportions just right. A long simple necklace is all you need to accessorize this girlish take on some typically masculine trends.

Dress: Nastygal Essential Slip Dress (here)

Top: O’Neill Mens Grizzley Flannel Shirt (similar here)

Shoes: Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth Boots (here)

Accessory: American Apparel Thigh High Socks (here)

Accessory: Topshop Extra Long Ball Chain Necklace (similar here)

Accessory: Kendall & Kylie Matte Black Round Sunglasses (here)

-VK

New York punk rock band Pentimento have proven themselves in the scene as a powerhouse. There is no escaping their melodic riffs, powerful harmonies, emotional words, and their great live performances. Their recent album release show in Buffalo, New York, sold out the venue and the band is currently on the March Radness tour with Allison Weiss and Candy Hearts. California dates feature What’s Eating Gilbert (Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory) as guest headliner.

Discovering Pentimento

It all started one night, when I was bored out my mind as usual. What’s the next big thing that Facebook could show me? Same ol’ meme crap that floats around. But then I saw it. Did you hear about what Pentimento’s label did to them?

Huh, did they say pimento? The little red thing in the olive? Who the hell in their right mind would name their band after that thing? I explored it further.

Oh, Pentimento! Let’s see what’s going on here. So I heard the music. Then I saw it: The “Circles” music video. Wow! I was blown away. Where did they come from and how have I not heard of them?

From that moment on, I was hooked. I fell asleep with the song in my head. I woke up to find that they were putting out their whole album for free on bandcamp. But when I checked back on their site later on, it was no longer online. Where did it go? I came to find that they had some difficulties with the label. It’s a long story. Despite all the legal issues from their former label, I can see this band has come a long way.

Pentimento released their self-titled full-length album November 2012. Album download/donate link and list of tour dates here.

I was able to talk to Mike of Pentimento about the show in San Antonio, playing SXSW, and the current tour with Allison Weiss and Candy Hearts. Check out the interview and photos below!

Great show tonight here in San Antonio. Did you get the response you were expecting in Texas?

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed the set. This is our second time to TX, but our first time in San Antonio. We were blown away by the response from tonight. It felt like we were playing at home.

Let’s talk South by Southwest, the huge event with a ton of great bands packed in a whole week or so. Not many bands are fortunate to be on any bills during this week. Describe some of the atmosphere during this crazy week in Austin. Any sense of accomplishment or “Yes, we are finally here” feelings?

Unfortunately, we couldn’t catch many other bands because of our schedule. We actually ended up playing four showcases this year, which definitely made us all feel extremely lucky and humbled. Each showcase we played seemed to get bigger and better, so we really appreciated the opportunity to not only do SXSW for the first time, but to play four incredible showcases. We got a chance to meet and watch bands we’d never heard of before, so that part of the experience was great. Everything that happened to us during our time at SXSW was so amazing. I don’t think we’ll ever forget it.

So let’s talk about this tour a little. A lot more females involved in this tour. Candy Hearts and Allison Weiss are very good at what they do. Must be awesome to see girls get up and do the band/touring life, which some might think is a “guy thing.” Have y’all been on a tour with female bands before? And do you have to deal with any boundaries?

I can’t say that any of us have to limit what we say or control our personalities just because there are females on the tour. Of course, we treat them with respect, but that’s the way we try to treat everyone. Regardless of their gender. I will say, though, that being on tour with bands that are female fronted is a very cool thing to see. Both bands are so talented, and I feel like what they’re doing–to prove everyone wrong about the genre or the industry in general being a guys thing–is great. Also, this tour has been the most fun we have ever had.

Do you feel a connection with the bands that you tour with, past and present?

We hang out with the other bands every chance we get. It’s usually not like that in most cases. All the bands we’ve ever toured with were great, but I feel like we all legitimately spend time together whenever we can, and it feels great. This is literally the most fun tour I’ve ever been on.

So the new album is your second release of music, other than the split you did with Young English. The story and struggle of how this release got made has, in my mind, made Pentimento pretty famous around the scene. After hearing the album song for song, I have to say it’s been one of the best albums I’ve heard in a long time. Great lyrics, melodic riffs, harmonies, and powerful songs all in one album.

Thanks a lot, man! That means a lot to us. We actually have one release prior to the split with Young English called “Wrecked.” It was our debut EP so check that out if you haven’t!

Despite the label issues, how do feel about this self-release?

There aren’t enough words for me to explain how thankful we are for the response this record has gotten. We’ve been extremely humbled by the things people have said to us about the album, and if I said “thank you” a billion times, it still wouldn’t be anywhere near how much we appreciate the response. As a band, we just feel lucky to be in this position at all.

Now your albums are being sold across seas in Japan. How does that feel?

It’s so exciting to know that people all over the world have picked it up. We’re just looking forward to touring and supporting this release everywhere we can.

Let’s talk about the writing process. How do songs become songs with Pentimento?

All we really knew about this record was that we had to come out swinging. We had to make it the best possible record it could be. As far as the writing process goes, it’s tough to describe. There’s so many different methods we use to make it happen. But in the end, as long as it’s honest, that’s what we go for.

I see great things happening for this band. You guys have great music! A strong passion and love for what you do. I saw it tonight on stage. There is no stopping Pentimento. Are there any labels looking at the band right now, or do you feel you want to do this by yourself for awhile?

That’s a huge compliment man. We really appreciate that. As far as the label situation is concerned, we’re an independent band right now and we’ll stay that way until the time is right. There’s no telling what the future holds, but after our experience with being signed to Panic Records, I think we will be a lot more careful next time.

Last questions fellas. What is Pentimento to you, and what’s next for the band?

We just want to contribute to the punk rock scene as much as it contributed to shaping our lives and minds as kids. It’s an incredible opportunity and all we want to do is continue to spread the word and share our music with as many people as possible.

-Mike/Pentimento

Interview and photos by Bryan Gonzalez

http://pentimentony.bandcamp.com

http://www.facebook.com/Pentimentony

http://www.twitter.com/Pentimentony

http://pentimentony.tumblr.com

http://youtube.com/pentimentoNY

A week full of live music, tired feet, lost phones, and you’ve made it to the weekend! SXSW isn’t done with you just yet.

Kicking off the day at noon is Austin Vida with “Barrio Bash,” a new showcase series featuring the best in Latin music. Volume 1 of the series will feature Sergio Mendoza y La Orkesta, La Santa Cecilia, Piñata Protest, Las Cafeteras, and Susan Torres y Conjunto Clemencia. The show is in East Austin, at the Sahara Lounge (1413 Webberville Rd.). Event information here.

I can appreciate this next event, as everything about it just works.

The Altercation Punk Rock BBQ starts at 12:30pm, by which time night owls can realistically make it out. And what’s more, it’s a BBQ! And music, of course. Playing the small outdoor stage this year: Teenage Bottlerocket, Lower Class Brats, Off With Their Heads, Say Hello To The Angels, The Scandals, New Red Scare, Lost In Society, and Sniper 66.

Want the backyard BBQ experience during SXSW? Head to The Vortex in East Austin, at 2307 Manor Rd. Find more information here.

FOOD TRUCK PICKS

While in East Austin, explore the great food truck fare. It’s heaven for any foodie.

Paul Qui (Top Chef Texas) fans can find the “East Side King” truck parked in the Liberty Bar courtyard (1618 E. 6th). And you’re bound to bump into huddles of food trailers while walking along towards the highway. So choose wisely.

Looking for not-so-wise decisions (from a health perspective, that is)?

Try “Fried and True.” You will no doubt have to give in to guilty pleasures like funnel cakes, fried oreos, and even chocolate dipped bacon. But the menu is not limited to your typical carnival fare.

This food truck offers comfort in the form of deep fried sandwiches, which I’d consider the main attraction at “Fried and True.” Ol’ faves like the Grilled Cheese and PBJ sandwich get a golden sheen from the fryer. They’ve also got a dessert sandwich, which is a combination that gives me a sugar rush just thinking about it: The Nutella & Marshmallow Deep Fried Sandwich (with powered sugar).

Another food truck with Nutella on the brain is “The Waffle Bus,” visiting from Houston. They offer sweet and savory sandwiches, one of which is the Nutella and Banana Waffle Sandwich.

Everything on the menu sounds delicious, actually. I’ll order the Smores Waffle Sandwich for breakfast, have a Waffle Burger with a side of waffle fries for lunch, and eat the Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffle for dinner. Find the bus on Cesar Chavez and Red River. Today is their last day in Austin, as a part of the selection of gourmet food trucks that make up Paul Qui’s SouthBites.

But don’t get too attached to the drifting aromas that you forget about the music! Pearl St. Co-op (2000 Pearl St.) is your destination for a fun and wild night with some of our favorite bands.

BEST OF THE WEEKEND

Get Thrashed is a party hosted by Vagabond Collective with 16 bands, local and touring, on two stages at Pearl St Co-op. The show starts with Gospel & the Wolf at 6 p.m. and Loma Prieta ends the night at 12:45 a.m.

Show up for bands you love and get a taste of a few bands you haven’t gotten into yet. Really great line-up and a free event.

Bands playing include The Tired and True, Illustrations, Fingers Crossed, and Thieves–all previously featured on Volted–with Mothman, Candy Hearts, Creative Adult, Homewrecker, Rescuer, Allison Weiss Band, Pentimento, Ivy League, Driver Friendly.

Set times and more information here.

SXSW SUNDAY

The Green Armadillo Shamrock Spectacular at Scoot Inn (1308 East 4th St.). begins at 10 a.m. with green beer and live music. Event information here.

–Smez

Insane traffic, an uncontrollable craze on sixth, celebrity spottings and music coming from what seems like every venue, bar, restaurant and, literally, ever street corner. But it’s nothing new. It’s just another year of South by Southwest madness in Austin, Texas, the beautiful live music capital of the world.

With the overwhelming music showcases the festival presents, here are a couple of free Latin events being held:

The Auditorium Shores showcase on Thursday, March 14, takes the lead with Mexican rock icons Café Tacvba headlining the NPR showcase with Molotov, Bajofondo and Jovanotti.

More information here .

[RELATED: Café Tacvba to headline Auditorium Shores Showcase]

The beats at the Mexican American Cultural Center on Friday night (March 15) will get anyone tapping their foot and on the dance floor. The music starts at 5 p.m. with electronic Colombian musician Isa GT and will feature local Grammy winners Grupo Fantasma at 8:15 p.m. Finishing the night off at 9:45 p.m. is none other than a El Rebelde del Acordeón, Celso Piña. With more than 20 years of music history to his name, there’s no mistaking his unique accordion style. I can already hear the unmistakable intro to “Cumbia Sampuesana.”

Full line up info can be found here.

Spend your Saturday (March 16) at the Clive Bar for the Caradura/Mercadorama México showcase with music ranging from alternative rock to psychedelic rock and electronic rock. The alternative rock band Aurum kicks off the night at 8 p.m. and readies the mood for some head banging with their energetic guitar riffs. Along the same musical spectrum is pop punk band 8 Kilómetros. The band formed in 2002 and is now getting ready to launch their new album “Hazlo Posible,” or “Make it Happen.”

Check the full line-up here.

Headlining the MACC showcase Saturday night is the popular Mexican electronic rock band Kinky. Rising from the Monterrey music scene, the band formed in 2000 and garnered attention for their unconventional attire and instrument. An accordion, a sombrero and electronic mixed with rock was a huge success. The band performs at 10 p.m.

The rest of the line up can be found here.

Not free but worth noting

Now this last band really caught my attention and unfortunately their showcase isn’t free, but they’re sure worth noting. Hailing from Uruguay is El Cuarteto de Nos, a band that has broken traditional rock conventions with their eccentric arrangements since 1984. But what is it exactly about this band that makes them unique? No doubt that it’s their play on words. Sarcastic, original, mocking, fun, silly, ridiculous, and a bit confusing at times. And they’re not afraid of making fun of themselves either. The band headlines the Sounds of Uruguay showcase at 1:10 A.M March 14 at Speakeasy. Wristbands and badges are required for entry. 

The full line up can be found here.

–Elizabeth Blancas

Image: courtesy photo of Kinky