Some say the musical style of Pasito Duranguense is a fad, but the band Alacranes Musical says it's here to stay. The band from Chicago plays at the final days of the San Diego County Fair.

Members of Alacranes Musical, which on Sunday ends the series of Latino concerts at the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar, prove this.

On the cover of their most recent album, “Ahora y siempre,” the guys pose with their impeccable white suits, with small earrings on each ear, well-trimmed goatees and polished ostrich-skin boots.

But even though these youngsters might seem as if they are all image, their substance is reflected on their music, said lead singer Guillermo “Memo” Ibarra of the band known as “The Princes of Duranguense Music.”

“That they gave us the opportunity to perform on stage at such an important fair like San Diego shows that we deserve to be in this place,” said the 28-year-old Ibarra.

Alacranes Musical was founded in Chicago 13 years ago, where most of the members were born, and named after the scorpion, the symbol of the Mexican state of Durango.

Like other Duranguense bands, Alacranes Musical members wear their Texana hats shaped like a taco and they feel comfortable speaking Spanish and English.

DETAILS Alacranes Musical When: Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Where: Chevrolet Del Mar Arena, San Diego County Fair, Del Mar Tickets: Free with fair admission; limited number of reserved seats available at $25 Information: sdfair.com or ticketmaster.com

But, Alacranes Musical stands out among the herd of Duranguense groups that have invaded regional Mexican music thanks to their good selection of the songs they record.

“Por amarte así,” which was an original hit for Cristian Castro, has become a major song in the band's repertoire.

Ibarra said the band is ready to take the next step and this year it will release an all-new song album, almost all of them written by Alacranes members.

“Duranguense music has to reach the next level,” Ibarra said. “We have to take the lead of the genre and set the example for others by recording original music.”

Live shows

Caballero's Latin Jam: Jazz. Frutas del Sol, 217 Third Ave., Chula Vista. 7 p.m. Thursdays. Free. (619) 422-3030 or caballeromusic.com.

Exhibitions

“Trilogy”: Univision anchorman Ricardo Vela presents his art in three media: painting, digital art, photography. Ricardo Vela Gallery, 2923 Upas St. Free. Through Saturday. (619) 546.9135.

“Océanos en el tiempo”: Photo exhibit by the late local businessman and cultural promoter Víctor Díaz at the Consulate of Mexico in San Diego, 1549 India St., San Diego. (619) 308-9950.

Tijuana

“Vamos a la luna”: This IMAX film takes you to the moon. Cecut, Paseo de los Héroes y Mina, zona Río. $22 pesos (about $2). (011-52-664) 687-9600 or cecut.gob.mx.

Live shows

El Coyote: Banda. Las Pulgas, Ave. Revolución 1127, downtown. 9 p.m. Tomorrow. $25. 011-52-664-9594 or laspulgas.info.

“Ópera en la calle”: Street opera festival. Between Calle 5 and Aquiles Serdan, Colonia Libertad. 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday. Free. 011-52-664-686-3280 or operadetijuana.org.

Exhibitions

“CowParade Lala Tijuana 2008”: Seventy fiberglass cows painted by artists from Tijuana and Mexican cities will be exhibited throughout the city until late July.

Miscellaneous

Tijuana Wax Museum: More than 80 wax replicas of historic, religious, political and other well-known figures. Museo de Cera, Primera Street, corner of Revolución and Madero, zona Centro. Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 15 pesos (about $1.50). 011-52-664-688-2478.

Wrestling: At the Auditorio Municipal, Boulevard Agua Caliente, east of downtown Tijuana. 8 p.m. Held on most Fridays; call for schedule. Tickets start at 60 pesos (about $6). 011-52-664-250-9015.

Cecuti: An interactive area for children and teens at Cecut, Paseo de los Héroes y Mina, zona Río, Tijuana. Saturdays and Sundays. Free. 011-52-664-687-9600 or cecut.gob.mx.

Looking ahead

Aleks Syntek: July 12. Pop rock. House of Blues, 1055 5th. Ave. 7 p.m. $30 to $45. ticketmaster.com.

Julieta Venegas: July 19. The singer celebrates the 119th anniversary of Tijuana. El Foro, avenida Revolución, zona Centro. 8 p.m. $20 a $60. 011-52-664-685-8676.

Los Lobos: July 26. The legendary band from East L.A. performs with Los Lonely Boys as part of the Brotherhood Tour. Viejas Concerts in the Park, Viejas Casino, Alpine. 7 p.m. $39.50 to $55. viejasentertainment.com.

Carlos Mencia: Aug. 9. Comedy. Viejas Concerts in the Park, Viejas Casino, Alpine. 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. $40 to $50. viejasentertainment.com.

Alejandro Fernández: Sept. 12. Pop ranchera. Cox Arena, San Diego State University. 8 p.m. $59.75 to $178.75. ticketmaster.com.

Jaguares: Sept. 12. The rock en español band presents its new album. Viejas Concerts in the Park, Viejas Casino, Alpine. 7:30 p.m. $46 to $71. viejasentertainment.com.

Ana Gabriel: Sept. 21. Pop. Palomar Starlight Theatre, Pala Resort & Casino, Pala. 7:30 p.m. $65 to $85. ticketmaster.com.

Santana: Sept. 30. The Latino master of guitar performs at Cricket Amphitheatre (formerly Coors), Chula Vista. 7 p.m. $25 to $85; there's also a special package of four tickets for $59. ticketmaster.com.

- PABLO JAIME SÁINZ