By Michael Ramirez

photographs by Victor Portillo

In late 2009 a caravan of musicians came together and said, “let’s bugalu.” With musical experience and some insight, they formed Frontera Bugalu, a modern latino band.

Frontera Bugalu’s music contains a variety of sounds and rhythms. The band composes music with drums, guitars, clarinet, trumpet, accordion and congas. Along with a varied use of instruments, their lyrics are kept in tune with what’s going on in today’s world.

This musically adept El Paso band has an interesting history. After an extensive tour, three members from Fuga, a well-known local band, decided to take a break from the group and collaborate with other local musicians. Kiko Rodriguez (accordion and  vocals), Ramon Villa (bass) and Louis Sarellano (drums) eventually started jamming with Amalia Castro (clarinet, trumpet and vocals) and Jesus Guereca (congas, percussion, vocals).

Castro keeps busy musically and continually performs with other local artists in El Paso and its neighboring cities. She is also working on a solo ep. Guerca is recognized locally as an ensemble musician at UTEP and he can play an array of musical styles.

Frontera Bugalu tries to play both sides of the border. The group does acknowledge that it is risky performing in Juarez and the venues they can perform at are limited. Despite the controversy and turmoil of El Paso’s sister city, they are determined to give their fans what they like to hear.

They will be playing at the Roller Derby Girl’s March 21 bout at the El Paso County Coliseum. The band is also working with Omar Rodriguez-Lopez productions on some soundtracks for locally and internationally produced films.

Go see the band perform to hear them first hand or check with us for updates on future performances. You can check out their myspace here.