Maluca Tops Our SXSW 2010 Latin Music Picks

If trying to find the Latin artists over at the SXSW site feels a little overwhelming, fear not. Guanabee's got you covered with the Latin music picks of the week.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

There are two great Latin showcases to watch on Wednesday. The first is Remezcla/BMI's at Mi Casa Cantina on 6th Street. Aside from local faves Maneja Beto, we're super excited to get a live glimpse at headliner Maluca from New York City. Her video for "El Tigeraso" was the freshest thing we saw last year. Let's watch it again, shalls we???

Watch Maluca "El Tigeraso"

Giving Maluca a run for her money will be the legendary Maldita Vecinidad who will be playing one street over at the Live Nation Latino showcase, same time slot: 1:00 am. Man, we'll be in bed by then. (Or downstage from Maluca.) Opening up for Maldita, though, is Bomba Estereo who we thoroughly enjoyed last year when they brought the noise from Colombia, and newcomers Chocqibtown, (Latin Grammy nominees for Best New Artist) who promise to make us sweat with their special brand of Colombian hip hop.

Watch Chocqibtown's "San Antonio"

Not on a Latin showcase because the only thing Latin about them is their ethnic heritage, (their music sounds something like Midlake meets Arcade Fire), are Guanabee favorites Dignan from McAllen, Texas who will be opening up the Havana Calle 6 showcase at 7:45. Stop by for dinner and don't miss these guys! They will be your instant new faves.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

The big act of the day on Thursday--Latin or not--will be Ozomatli live at Auditorium Shores. This is an outdoor show that actual Austinites will brave the crowds for, so show up early to get a good spot on the grass. If you're looking for something a little more sofisticado, The Elephant Room is doing a whole night of Bossa Nova. But if you'd rather be todo ranch, check out the NACO showcase at Flamingo Cantina where headliners El Gavachillo y Su Banda Lluvia de Estrellas will having you stomping your botas and swallowing the worm. Opening up for them is Anita Tijoux of Colombia who reminds us a lot of Niña Dioz. This showcase promises to be a really good time.

Watch Anita Tijoux "A Veces"

If you find yourself at Mi Cantina around 1:00 AM, be sure to check out SolOkarina from Bogotá. Her upbeat tracks are sure to have you dancing to last call. If you're into Los Lonely Boys (we're not, but we realize we're in the minority there), a rocking little band from Ubeda, Spain is opening up for them at 11:00PM at Spill called Guadalupe Plata. Perhaps the only band from Spain with a washtub bass.

Watch Guadalupe Plata "Baby, Me Vuelves Loco"

Friday, March 19, 2010

Portugal's a mindfuck, so let's start Friday off with uncategorizable Portuguese artist David Fonseca who sings in English and plays at the Hilton Garden Inn at 9PM.

Watch David Fonseca "A Cry 4 Love"

Continuing with the non-traditional SXSW route, Zona Tango plays The Elephant Room at 11:00pm. Of course, our pick for Friday night will be The Texas Tornados who are playing at Kenny Dorham's Backyard at 10:00 with David Garza opening and Del Castillo closing. This is your chance to get some authentic Tex-Mex--music that is.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Our showcase of choice for Saturday is the Plutopia showcase at Maggie Mae's. With both Santiago, Chile's Funky C and Anita Tijoux, it promises to be a night to dance one's behind off.

Watch Funky C's "Chocolate"