LA-based Latin group to share stories through music

Las Cafeteras, a Latin alternative band from East Los Angeles, will give a performance at Grand Valley October 27.  

The seven-member group uses traditional instruments to tell modern stories through music genres such as hip hop, rock, punk and cumbia. Their performance will take place at 8 p.m. in Grand River Room of the Kirkhof Center.

“Their message is universal and inspirational,” said Allison Montaie, assistant director for the Office of Multicultural Affairs. “Their music, songs, and poetry are very much tied to their culture, and their main focus is on social justice and activism.” 

Las Cafeteras formed in 2008 with the purpose of documenting the histories of their neighborhoods through music. They started as students of the Eastside Café, a Zapatista-inspired community space in East Los Angeles. Their debut album, “It’s Time,” has been reviewed by BBC, NPR and the LA Times. 

The public event is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, with support from the Latino Student Union, Sigma Lambda Gamma, Latin American Studies, Laker Connections and the Wade McCree Jr. Incentive Program. 

For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/oma or www.lascafeteras.com.