Last night, as part of the Latin Alternative Music Conference excitement, BMI showcased a diverse range of Latino musical artists at Verano Alternativo, held inside S.O.B’s.

I arrived a little late, so apologies to LapDance, a new-wave indie electronic Rican band, and the Dominican, Marel.

The first band I did get to see was Origen, a rock band that leans towards the fun and jaunty pop sound. Fronted by the energetic and charismatic mujer Mirs, this is the type of music that I could totally see my older daughter getting excited about, as sort of a gateway drug into rock in español.

Next up was Taxi Amarillo. I had been hearing about this N.Y Latino group for a while now and when I saw them, I knew why. Their music also is rock with a pop edge, but the sound is a little harder, and I mean that in a good way.

But without a doubt, the gem of the evening, in a most surprising way, was the Miami based electronic group, OrganicArma (and I don’t even like electronic so imaginate). Made up of Dharma, Lharma, and Phaxas, the three have style that goes beyond music and enters into the world of pure arte. Dharma wore this cybord looking eyepiece. Lharma wore what looked like a Lasertag vest. As the three performed, a screen behind them rolled videos that included what they were saying: philosophical lyrics like Supercede God’s Humanity. During a piece called Discordia, a video including cartoon renderings of Bush, Alvaro Uribe, Hugo Chavez, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama was played. Pretty damned amazing. See for yourself.