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.

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.

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 90.7 fm in Southern California, online at www.kpfk.org.

On December 19th, 2012, Uprising host Sonali Kolhatkar spoke with Leah Gallegos, Hector Flores, and Daniel French from Las Cafeteras on Uprising. Also joining them in studio were two other members of the band: David Flores and Jose Cano.

Watch a video of the interview and performance here:

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

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

Bipasha Shom recorded this interview.