Five Best Acts at New York's LAMC

New projects from Latin Alternative heroes and artists to watch are on the bill at this year's LAMC.

New York's yearly celebration of Latin cool is happening this week. While there's nothing on the program that we would not recommend, here are our top five picks of acts to see at the Latin Alternative Music Conference:

Gabriel Garzón-Montano

Billboard named Gárzon-Montano’s album Jardin one of 2017’s best, describing it as a “genre-flaunting gem” from an artist with an astonishing gift for intricate craftsmanship. See the Brooklyn-born, half-Colombian Garzón-Montano, who was first widely noticed when his music was sampled by Drake, seize the spotlight at Central Park Summerstage tomorrow (July 11). The show, which also features Nicola Cruz, Tomasa Real and Latin Bitman, starts at 5 p.m.

Trending Topics

Eduardo Cabra premieres his post Calle-13 band, Trending Topics, with Dominican singer Vicente Garcia and a group of multi-instrumentalists. The must-see show is set for July 14 at 3 p.m. at Central Park Summerstage. Jorge Drexler, ÌFÉ, and DJ Raff complete a powerful line-up.

Ana Tijoux

Leading Chilean hip-hop artist Ana Tijoux surprised fans when she came out with her latest project, Roja y Negro. Canciones de Amor y Desamor, a touring show in which she sings boleros and Latin American folk standards. We can’t think of a better place to experience this softer side of Tijoux than at the LAMC’s acoustic showcase. It takes place July 12 at 6 p.m. at City Winery. El B, Carlos Cros, Cheo & Ulises Hadjis, Mitre, Mirella Cesa & Mr. Pauer, Vega, and Flor de Toloache share the line-up.

Niña Dioz

Billboard has described Mexican rapper Niña Dioz as “a woman with power, determination and a clear soul” whose purpose in music is to inspire others to be themselves.

"Coming out as the first openly gay rapper in Mexico, in such a machista society, is something that makes me proud," Dioz says. 

Feel her pride and power July 12 at the Highline Ballroom. The showcase starts at 7:30 p.m. and also features PJ Sin Suela, Marrón and C-Kan.

Sistema Solar

The LAMC’s “Spotlight on Colombia” showcase could be its sweatiest with Afro-Caribbean sound system Systema Solar on hand to go beyond neo-cumbia into a psychedelic stratosphere, where they will be joined by Very Be Careful and El Freaky. The show is July 12 at 5 p.m. Queensbridge Park