Scene & Unheard: Monterrey, Mexico Issue #37

By Daniela Garcia
Published: September 1st, 2008 | 4:17pm

QUIERO CLUB

SOUNDS LIKE: Experimental electro-indie rock with danceable, bilingual lyrics.
INFLUENCES: Bands from the local scene (Mauricio has played in alternative rock group Zurdok and electro-based She’s a Tease).
PLAYERS: Gustavo Mauricio (vocals, guitar, percussions), Priscila Gonzalez (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Rodrigo Martinez (drums, bass), Marcela Viejo (vocals, keyboards), Luis Dominguez (bass, guitar, keyboards, backing vocals).
URL:yotambienquieroclub.com

NIÑA

INFLUENCES: The Strokes, Kinky, Pastilla, and the Sounds.
SOUNDS LIKE: good old-fashioned alternative, mixed with hints of punk and indie rock.
PLAYERS: Aldo Marroquin (drums), Alejandro Isassi (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Adrián Guardia (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Mario Lopez Landa (keyboards, vocals), Gino Marchetti (bass, keyboards, vocals).
URL:todomimundoacolor.com

WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO

Monterrey has been dubbed “Monterrock” by the locals due to its ever-growing music scene, which gives Mexico City some competition.
POPULATION: 1,693,691
UP-AND-COMING NEIGHBORHOOD: The Zona Rosa district, home to the hip Barrio Antiguo and Macroplaza neighborhoods, is literally the heart of the city. Zona Rosa’s antique architecture, museums, shopping, cafes, and popular bar scene make it the place to be.
VENUES: The majority of local and international indie bands can be found playing at Café Iguana. Another popular spot is Uma Bar, a hip bar and alternative music venue rolled into one. Hard rockers and metal heads can be found moshing at Ibex Rock Bar.
SHOPPING: Plaza Comercial Morelos (Morelos Ote. 451-A) is great place (about 240 stores in all) for everything from designer threads to local handcrafts.
RESTAURANT: El Rey del Cabrito is by far one of the most well-known places to eat in Northern Mexico. The eatery serves traditional dishes and regional specialties, including cabrito al pastor, a charcoal-cooked goat dish unique to the city. El Rey del Cabrito prices range from $11-20 in US dollars and $113-205 in Mexican pesos.
RECOMMENDED MUST-DO: Besides its vibrant city life, Monterrey is also known for being surrounded by a gorgeous mountain range. Take a break from the city and head to one of its many parks, like Chipinque National Park, located on the northern face of the Sierra Madre range. The national park is the perfect place for hiking or a relaxing picnic.
LOCAL DIY: Kismet Creations (kismetcreations.etsy.com) is full of eco-friendly and recycled goods, including everything from notebooks to coaster sets to reusable maxi pads.

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