LAMC 101

In order to prepare for the Latin Alternative Music Conference here's an overview of some of the acts. Some are staples, some are "need to know" artists, but all of them will be reppin' Latin Alternative in one of the greatest cities on earth: New York City.

CHANA



Performing:
Thursday, July 10 6:00pm - 8:30pm
LAMC/Cyloop Acoustic Showcase @ SOB's (204 Varick St.)
Co-Presented by Gibson

Background:
With influences that range from Stereolab and Gorillaz to Aterciopelados and Julieta Venegas, LA-based chanteuse Chana perfects her brand of "global hip-pop." Not only is Chana a talented musician but the NYC-born Dominicana danced under famous choreographers like Martha Graham and Twyla Tharp. Her single, "No Me Mandes Flores" is described as "Andrea Echeverri fronting a funk band." Chana will be bringing her flavor across the US this summer so be sure to catch her if you can (for tour dates check out her myspace page).

Fun Fact/Interesting Connections:
Chana, whose real name is Rosanna Tavarez, made her first visit to the recording studio in the now defunct WB's American Idol-esque series "POPSTARS" back in 2001. Tavarez was selected to be a part of the 5-member girl group Eden's Crush along with the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, Nicole Schzeringer.

LAMC 101

In order to prepare for the Latin Alternative Music Conference here's an overview of some of the acts. Some are staples, some are "need to know" artists, but all of them will be reppin' Latin Alternative in one of the greatest cities on earth: New York City.

UDI E A GERAL



Performing:
Thursday, July 10 6:00pm - 8:30pm
LAMC/Cyloop Acoustic Showcase @ SOB's (204 Varick St.)
Co-presented by Gibson

Background:
Formed in 2004 in Brazil, Udi e a Geral performs a mix of reggae, rock, funk, and samba music. Though they've established a presence on European and South American airwaves, they will be making a big splash state-side at this year's LAMC.

If you can read Portuguese:
Visit their myspace page.

LAMC 101

In order to prepare for the Latin Alternative Music Conference here's an overview of some of the acts. Some are staples, some are "need to know" artists, but all of them will be reppin' Latin Alternative in one of the greatest cities on earth: New York City.

AFROBETA



Performing:
Wednesday, July 9 8:00pm - 1:00am
LAMC/GoTV Indie Showcase @ The Mercury Lounge (217 E. Houston St.)
Co-Presented by Gibson, Discmakers, and Myspace Latino

Background:
Their music is described as disco house, ghetto tech, and funk, but this Miami-based duo is no ordinary act. Afrobeta was recently named "Best Songwriters" in 2008 and were previously named "Best Electronic Band 2007" by the Miami New Times. Formed in 2006 after "Smurphio" Laurencio met his muse, Cristina "Cuci Amador" Garcia, at one of his live performances, Afrobeta has become a staple in the Miami music scene. Now, Smurphio and Cuci will be bringing their disco flavor to the NYC Latin Alternative scene.

Fun Fact:
Cuci is often referred to by the nickname "Latin Bjork" in local music circles.

LAMC 101

In order to prepare for the Latin Alternative Music Conference here's an overview of some of the acts. Some are staples, some are "need to know" artists, but all of them will be reppin' Latin Alternative in one of the greatest cities on earth: New York City.

DON TETTO



Performing:
Wednesday, July 9 8:00pm - 1:00am
LAMC/GoTV Indie Showcase @ The Mercury Lounge (217 E. Houston St.)
Co-presented by Gibson, Discmakers, and Myspace Latino

Background:
This Colombia-based act was formed in 2003 after unanimously winning a battle-of-the-bands concert in Bogotá. With the release of their album "Lo Que No Sabias" in 2007, Don Tetto took home "Best Drummer" and "Best New Artist" at the Subterranica Rock Awards. They also took home a SHOCK award for "Best New School Artists." The band's rock skills has earned them so much clout that they're presently sponsored by guitar connoisseurs, Gibson. Don Tetto hopes to reach audiences with their latest video, "Ha Vuelta a Suceder," and their 2008 national tour.

If you like what you see/hear:
Visit their myspace page

LAMC 101

In order to prepare for the Latin Alternative Music Conference here's an overview of some of the acts. Some are staples, some are "need to know" artists, but all of them will be reppin' Latin Alternative in one of the greatest cities on earth: New York City.

GUAJIRO



Performing:
Wednesday, July 9 8:00pm - 1:00am
LAMC/GoTV Indie Showcase @ The Mercury Lounge (217 E Houston St.)
Co-Presented by Gibson, Discmakers, and Myspace Latino

Background:
Hailing from Hialeah, Florida, the boys from Guajiro came from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Long Beach to perform their mix of classic rock, '77 English punk, and 80s Latin rock to bring energy and soul back to the music industry. The band hopes to create lasting albums and bring their fans "honest, straight to the point, no bullshit music." The band performs in English, Spanish, or a combination of both.

Vistas Politicas:
Their recent single, "Ole" was not only used as the Latin American Soccer anthem but also as a means to put their support behind 2008 presidential candidate, Barack Obama.

LAMC 101

In order to prepare for the Latin Alternative Music Conference here's an overview of some of the acts. Some are staples, some are "need to know" artists, but all of them will be reppin' Latin Alternative in one of the greatest cities on earth: New York City.

ALLA



Performing:
Wednesday, July 9 8:00pm - 1:00am
LAMC/GoTV Indie Showcase @ The Mercury Lounge (217 E Houston St.)
Co-Presented by Gibson, Discmakers, and Myspace Latino

Background:
This Chicago-based group rocks the Latin Alternative scene with their groundbreaking brand of psychedelic pop music. Made up of brothers Jorge and Angel Ledezma and their chanteuse Lupe Martinez, Alla's influences include Brazilian tropicalia, Motown, German Krautrock, traditional Mexican trio music, and 60's pop sounds. With the recent release of their debut album, "Es Tiempo," this trio is set to make an impact.

Fun Facts:
Alla has been featured in Spin and FADER magazines

LAMC 101

In order to prepare for the Latin Alternative Music Conference here's an overview of some of the acts. Some are staples, some are "need to know" artists, but all of them will be reppin' Latin Alternative in one of the greatest cities on earth: New York City.

PILAR DIAZ



Performing:
Wednesday, July 9 8:00pm - 1:00am
LAMC/GoTV Indie Showcase @ The Mercury Lounge (217 E Houston St.)
Co-Presented by Gibson, Discmakers, and Myspace Latino

Background:
You may recognize Pilar from her successful Latin Alternative band "Los Abandoned," but she's decided to go solo. The multi-faceted singer-songwriter describes her sound as a mix of acousmatic, tape music, Spanish pop, and visual. She graduated from CalArts, where she majored in classical voice, she was a part of a Bulgarian women's quire, has vocals featured in blockbusters like Spiderman, and she can even play the Ukulele. To find out more, visit her myspace page.

Her Influences:
Los Tres, Violeta Parra, Elis Regina, Yma Sumac, Bidu Sayao, Siouxsie Sioux, Cafe Tacvba, The Go-Go's, Pedro Almodovar, Ira Glass, Luscious Jackson, Deborah Harry, Kim Deal, Bjork, Les Rita Mitsuko, Feist, Cyndi Lauper, that dog, Happy Mondays, Wendy & Lisa, Soul Train, Debbie Deb, Dolly Parton, Los Angeles Negros, REM, Joe Strummer, Terry Hall, Jonathan Richman, Magnetic Fields, Morrissey, Camilo Sesto, Mike Patton, Andrea Echeverri, Pauline Black, Marisa Monte, XTC, Emily Haines, Le Tigre, CalArts, Le Mystere Des Voix Bulgares, Meryl Streep, mural paintings - especially Siqueiros, Chile, mi mama la Fufita cantando folklore y mi papa Gerardo tocando harmonica en los Bi-Bops y Ritmo Tres, mi tio Eduardo tocando guitarra con sus hijos en los asados de Nuñoa. Last but not least - root beer floats & french fries.

LAMC 101

In order to prepare for the Latin Alternative Music Conference here's an overview of some of the acts. Some are staples, some are "need to know" artists, but all of them will be reppin' Latin Alternative in one of the greatest cities on earth: New York City.

FORRO IN THE DARK



Performing:
Wednesday, July 9th 8:00pm - 1:00am
LAMC/GoTV Indie Showcase @ The Mercury Lounge (217 E Houston St.)
Co-Presented by Gibson, Discmakers, and Myspace Latino

Background:
With their new brand of Forro (traditional Brazilian country music), Forro in the Dark aims to excite the hipster, club-going masses in the city that never sleeps. Putting together electric guitars, a variety of flutes, and percussion instruments, this NYC-based act takes their audiences on a audio trip to Brazil through their experimental, bilingual (English and Portuguese) music and their creation of a smooth, groove-filled ambiance.

If you like what you see/hear:
The band will be touring the US from now until December. To find out more check out their myspace page.

LAMC 101

In order to prepare for the Latin Alternative Music Conference here's an overview of some of the acts. Some are staples, some are "need to know" artists, but all of them will be reppin' Latin Alternative in one of the greatest cities on earth: New York City.

ZIGMAT



Performing:
Wednesday, July 9th 8:00pm - 1:00am
LAMC/GoTV Indie Showcase @ The Mercury Lounge (217 E Houston St.)
Co-presented by Gibson, Discmakers, and Myspace Latino

Thursday, July 10th 6:00pm - 8:30pm
LAMC/Cyloop Acoustic Showcase @ SOB's (204 Varick St.)
Co-presented by Gibson

Background:
This Brooklyn-based indie act performs a mix of electronica, punk, dance, and rock music. Monica, the group's lead singer has an ethereal punky sound reminiscent of a mix between Gwen Stefani (in her No Doubt years) and Frou Frou's Imogen Heap - if they were bilingual. Relatively new to the scene (the group formed back in 2006), Zigmat will be releasing their new EP "Sounds of Machines" at their performance at the Mercury Lounge.

Critics Say:
"Brooklyn's Zigmat plays punky songs spiked with electronics; occasionally, singer Monica Rodriguez switches to Spanish. The international flavor is part Yeah Yeah Yeahs, part Brazilian Girls." - Time Out New York