For years, Latin music fans have been wishing for a Coachella-like festival in Los Angeles. It seems like a no-brainer, given how many Latinos live in the area and the impact that’s had on the local cultural scene.

Finally, local indie label Nacional Records and Goldenvoice put their heads together to present Supersonico at the Shrine Expo Hall and Grounds this Saturday. When the festivals lineup was first announced, it seemed like a cruel joke, too good to be true. Almost like one of those fake Coachella lineups you see before the real one is revealed.

We hope Los Angeles sells this thing out to prove Supersonico’s need to return. 

Below you’ll find our specific suggestions for who you should check out.

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Calle 13; Credit: Courtesy of Supersonico

Calle 13; Credit: Courtesy of Supersonico

You can’t go wrong with one of Mexico’s biggest rock bands, Café Tacvba (8:40 p.m., Outdoor Stage), headlining the festival. It’s not exactly mind-blowing that they’re at the top of the bill, but it’s a great opportunity to catch the iconic band if you’ve never seen them.

We are more excited for the Puerto Rican duo Calle 13 (7:40 p.m., Outdoor Stage). They’re one of the most progressive bands in the world and hold the record for most Latin Grammy wins. Their socially conscious lyrics, driven by tropical/urban beats, have taken them to the biggest international stages.

Ana Tijoux (5:45 p.m., Outdoor Stage) is arguably the best female MC in the world. Her raps highlight the politics back home in Chile. Her beats have a classic hip-hop sound. Even if you don’t understand Spanish, you’ll still be mesmerized by her flow.

With Los Rakas (6:05 p.m., Indoor Stage) also on the bill, Supersonico is representing hip-hop well. Their Oakland swag will definitely make Supersonico turn up.    

Bomba Estereo (4:50 p.m., Outdoor Stage), led by front woman Liliana Saumet, is still one of the most dynamic bands to watch. They’ve only released a couple albums over the last several years, but their live show continues to evolve, making their electro-Colombian sounds fresh each time you see them.

Los Macuanos (4:30 p.m., Indoor Stage) out of Tijuana are pioneers of a style called ruidosón. The music is influenced by the violent cartel wars that have terrified the town south of the border. It’s one of the latest sounds coming out of Mexico’s thriving beat scene.

AJ Davila (7:55 p.m., Indoor Stage), formerly of garage-rock band Davila 666, started his solo career recently and keeps the band's gritty sound alive.

Los Angeles is representing with one of the best bands to rise out of the indie local scene in recent years, La Santa Cecilia (3:10 p.m., Outdoor Stage). For all the work they have been putting in to keep the local Latin alternative scene alive, it would have been nice to see them higher in the lineup.

Here’s the complete schedule. Look for West Coast Sound's review/recap of the festival on Monday.
 
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