Speak up!

By Rayme Samuels

With a goal of challenging the misconception that all Latinos in Miami only listen to salsa, merengue and reggaeton, AlterLatino! Saturdays at PS14 wants to call attention to Miami's thriving Latin alternative music scene. An initiative by Eddy Morrillo, of local super group Bachaco, and the ZonaOneSound collective, this new weekly party aims to give rock en espanol, Latin reggae and urban Latin beats much-needed exposure.

Each week AlterLatino! has an exciting new lineup, from explosive local acts like Elastic Bond and Barrio Activo to international groups like Mexico's La Family Dub, Venezuela's punk rockers Impertinencia and Peru's funk band Fat King Bulla. A partnership with leading Latin alternative record company Nacional Records means that regular listening parties will also be held. Acts like Manu Chao, Aterciopelados and RH+ are just a few famous acts that you may catch here in the future.

Downtown Miami's hipster hotspot PS14 serves as the perfect place to revive this vibrant scene. From the moment you arrive you feel the absence of pretentiousness, with no dress code and a welcoming environment plush with retro influences. The party goes strong until 3 a.m., with a DJ hitting the decks after the final live performance. "This night is aimed at everyone," says Morillo. "We hope to demonstrate that Latinos are a culturally diverse and open minded community, open to all genres of music, not just the commercial music heard on the radio."

PS14, 28 NE 14th St, Miami; 305-358-3600; doors open at 10 p.m., $1 Red Stripe beers and free admission before 11 p.m., $5 after.

Published: 2/09