Seven-piece East L.A. ensemble Las Cafeteras met while taking classes to learn a traditional type of Mexican music, Son Jarocho, at the Eastside Cafe in El Sereno. Borrowed from Veracruz, Son Jarocho is a mix of danceable, indigenous, Spanish and African music, and Las Cafeteras mix it with folk and hip-hop. Their bilingual, politically driven songs have caught on, and they've toured with acts including Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Ozomatli. Last year Las Cafeteras released their first studio album, It's Time, to critical acclaim, and their more recent “Luna Lovers” video has been popular. It's rare for a group to mix the traditional with the modern with such aplomb, but thankfully Las Cafeteras remain strongly committed to their unique style. lascafeteras.com. —Juan Gutierrez

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