Almalfa, Tijuana's Newest Ska-Reggae Heroes To Perform With Maldita Vecindad At The Palace

LOS ANGELES (Top40 Charts) - Tijuana, Mexico's newest ska-reggae stars will perform with legendary Mexican rock heroes Maldita Vecindad on Friday March 1, 2002. A night that promises loads of high-energy moshing and skankin, Mexican style.

Hailing from "the last corner of Latin America", Tijuana, Almalafa is an eight-piece ensemble that has developed a well-crafted sound, which blends Afro-Latin with reggae, danz�n, world beat and ska, coated with inspiring male and melodious female vocals. "Our sound is a fusion that reflects what everyone brings to the group and out border life," says singer Izaac "Duende" Garc'a. Almalafa follows in the tradition of border bands, such as Tijuana No! and Mexican Jumpin' Frijoles with influences of Mano Negra, Desorden Publico, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Skatalities and Jamaican reggae.
While Almalafa considers itself a border ensemble, rather than a strictly regional, band, the re-edition "Psicodelic Ska" (Opci�n S�nica U.S.A.) marks Almalafa's first official attempt to tap into the U.S. market.

"Psicodelic Ska" has earned them excellent reviews in publications like: La Banda Elastica, Al Borde, No Cover, Nuestro Rock, Below the Surface, amongst others. Released in 2001, "Psicodelic Ska" contains the "Mexican Ska" anthem, "Matar" a crowd favorite in both sides of the border, especially in Southern California where the band is constantly requested to play.

Since 1995 Almalafa has proved to be road warriors constantly traveling up and down the 5 freeway in California. The band has performed in L.A's most prestigious rock 'n' roll venues such as: The Roxy, El Rey Theater, The Key Club, The Troubadour, Whiskey A-Go-Go, JC Fandango and Club Fais Do Do. In addition, Almalafa performed in throughout California in cities such as: San Diego, Chula Vista, Long Beach, Ventura and San Jos�. With two songs, "Matar" and "Mexico Libre" on constant rotation on MORE FM (top Rock en Espa-ol station in the Tijuana/San Diego) coupled with an intense series of live performances, Almalafa has earned the title of Tijuana's most important band in last 2 years by the city's newspapers. Their recognition extends to Mexico City, where the band has toured twice playing massive ska festivals in Mexico D.F. where it is a common sight to have crowds of over 20,000!

In one of the most anticipated concerts of the spring in L.A., Almalafa has been asked to perform alongside Maldita, an honor that was also shared in Tijuana, where Almalafa and Maldita recently performed to a sold-out city Auditorium. These dates are part of the last leg of their "Psicodelic Ska" tour, which will be capped in April by a 2-week tour in the Mexican northwest, Guadalajara and Mexico City. "Psicodelic Ska" has also proven to be one of the top selling records for Opci�n S�nica U.S.A. The label will release Almalafa's second album titled "Almalafa's Room" in summer 2002, the record will be distributed in the United States, Mexico and in Germany by �BERSEE Records.

What: Maldita Vecindad and Almalafa(Tijuana, Mexico)
When: Saturday March 1st
Where: The Hollywood Palace, 1735 N Vine Hollywood, CA 90028
Note: All Ages
Cost: $22.50 Tickets on sale on Ticketmaster Outlets.