Bomba Estéreo Gets Worldly at SOhO

LA BOMBA: Think you know world music? Think again. This Saturday, August 11, Colombian electro group Bomba Estéreo returns to Santa Barbara for a live show that’s certain to reset your global groove-makers. Similar in beats and brashness to MIA, Bomba Estéreo has made a name for themselves by way of sleek, cumbia-inspired beats and a whole lot of electronically manipulated samples. The tracks were made for dancing, but the influences — and the way those influences converge — are far more complex than your standard Wildcat mega-mix. Steel and hand drums mix and mingle with layered vocals, echoed effects, psychedelic guitars, and pulsing bass, creating a sensory experience that’s truly dizzying. Add to that a brightly colored and in-your-face aesthetic, and you’ve got the makings for a dance party that’s, well, otherworldly. The festivities start at 9:30 p.m. at SOhO Restaurant & Music Club (1221 State St.). Call 962-7776 or visit clubmercy.com for tickets and info.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: I’ve long considered the Santa Barbara music community to be a big, happy — and yes, slightly incestuous — family. Over the years, I’ve watched our county’s players rally around each other in times of strife, tragedy, celebration, and congratulations, more than willing to look past ages and styles in order to serve the common good.

It seems to be about time, then, that S.B.’s youngsters teamed up for an event like Muddfest. The September 1 gathering, which was announced this week, finds the city’s favorite up-and-coming acts uniting at and for Haley Street hotspot Muddy Waters Café. So far, the bill includes a veritable who’s-who of the S.B. indie scene, including headliners (and curators) Gardens & Villa, our 2011 Downtown Sound battle of the bands winners Saint Anne’s Place, Little Indian, Dante Elephante, Watercolor Paintings, Sprout, Indian Trading Furs, Islay Street, Hesse, and Rainbow Girls, with more bands to be announced in the coming weeks. Better yet? One hundred percent of the show’s proceeds are going back to Muddy, in the hopes of getting the space spruced up and dialed in for more shows and bigger bands. For music fans, the coffee shop–cum–venue space is easily one of Santa Barbara’s hidden treasures, tucked just far enough off State Street to keep a semi-low profile. It’s also all-ages friendly — all the time. Most importantly, though, it has provided basic training for some of our city’s most promising young acts, allowing them to get their feet wet and strengthen their live show muscles in a space that’s always rooting for the scene. Whether or not you want to get all mushy about it, though, this is going to be one hell of a party. For details, or to buy your tickets in advance, visit newnoisesb.com.

ALSO THIS WEEK: If you’re looking for a quick live-music fix, this week is rife with options. On Thursday, August 9, S.B. surf popsters Dante Elephante return to SOhO Restaurant & Music Club. The band plays following surf filmmaker and songwriter Peter Goetz, who’ll be plugging in and screening his latest piece of visual creation, Sofia, about Peruvian wave rider Sofia Mulanovich. The show starts at 7 p.m. Call 962-7776 or visit sohosb.com for tickets and info. Also on Thursday, August 9, the Biko Co-op Garage (6612 Sueno Rd.) plays host to a multipronged concert and reading featuring Portland jazz funk outfit The Taxpayers. In addition to the live tunes, ’zine publishers and writers will do readings from selected short stories and articles. The tunes and tales kick off at 7 p.m. Visit sbdiy.org for details.