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Son Jarocho, a traditional form of folk music from Mexico, has found a crucial epicenter – not in Mexico – but right here in Los Angeles. Las Cafeteras is a local East Los Angeles based band comprised of seven people that blend this increasingly popular form of Mexican music, but with a modern twist. Their Son Jarocho musical style has Afro-Caribbean roots that originate from Mexico’s port city of Veracruz, made famous by Los Lobos’ well known song, La Bamba.

Las Cafeteras’ debut album, It’s Time, was released this past September and features fiery lyrics within a social and political context. The band fuses cultural melodies with their own blend of Hip-Hop, punk and alternative styles. Along with the many fast and catchy tunes on the album, the band also references many of today’s most pressing social issues.

For example, ‘Chuchumbe’ is a classic Son Jarocho song that was initially written as a criticism of the Catholic church, but has been updated to address racism and Arizona’s anti-immigrant laws that passed this year. ‘It’s Movement Time’ is an aptly named piece about rallying people together to stand up for justice within the framework of historical events such as the Mexican Independence and the tragic shooting of Trayvon Martin.

Las Cafeteras is playing at “LA’s largest seasonal event,” the 53rd annual LA County Holiday Celebration happening on the 24th of this month from 3 to 6 pm – the event is sponsored by KPFK and will be broadcast live on this station.

GUESTS: Leah Gallegos, Hector Flores, Daniel French, David Flores, and Jose Cano, 5 of the 7 members of Las Cafeteras

Visit the band’s website at www.lascafeteras.com.

Click here to buy a copy of their new CD, It’s Time.