Maná has two sides.
The first is the one everybody hears about: love songs played to the tune of pop rock; songs like “Vivir sin aire,” “Te lloré todo un río” and “Mariposa traicionera.”
The other side is less known: the band's efforts to protect forests and its support of indigenous communities, subjects that are common with such songs as “Cuando los ángeles lloran” and “Justicia, tierra y libertad.”
Given that the band is performing so close to the border, it's likely that Maná's more socially conscious side will take center stage when the group performs Friday and Saturday at the iPayOne Center.
“We are completely against building a wall,” said drummer Alex González about the construction of a fence along the Mexico-United States border. “Who are they going to hire to build this wall? The same people that they are trying to keep out: Latinos and Mexicans.”
DATEBOOK
Maná
8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; IPay One Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd.; San Diego, $32.50-$84; (619) 220-8497 or www.ticketmaster.com
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Immigration is not something new to Maná. In fact, it's been part of their music since 1993 when the group released one of its most successful albums “Dónde jugarán los niños?” (“Where Will the Children Play?”).
For González, who is a U.S. citizen of Cuban and Colombian origin, the fence if not the way to solve the immigration problem.
“When they build it, somebody will show up with a bigger ladder,” she said. “There are other options. The best one is to pass immigration reform.”
Maná was founded in Guadalajara, Mexico, more than three decades ago, and it has since become one of the most successful rock en español bands.
This is the first time in three years that Maná is performing in San Diego. It is currently on a world tour called “Amar es compartir” (“To Love Is to Share”), which will include concerts in Barcelona, Mexico City and Sao Paulo.
– PABLO JAIME SAINZ
SAN DIEGO
Live shows
Los Lobos: The band from East L.A. will have an acoustic concert at ArtPower!, Mandeville Auditorium, University of California, San Diego, in La Jolla. 8 p.m. Tonight bc 02/08 $32 and $36. (858) 534-8497.
Poncho Sanchez: The Latin jazz player will take his congas to the Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. 8 p.m. Tonight bc 02/08 (858) 481-8140 or www.bellyup.com.
Latin music: Dance salsa, bachata and merengue at Mambo Lounge, Mission Valley Resort, 875 Hotel Circle South, Mission Valley. Thursdays and Fridays. 8 p.m. $5 (students with ID) and $7. (858) 735-4159 or www.themambolounge.biz.
Conjunto Primavera: The norteño band will perform with Liberación, Los Muecas, Los Freddy's, and La Revolución de Emiliano Zapata, as part of the “Baile del Amor y la Amistad” at the San Diego County Fairgrounds. 8 p.m. Saturday. $28 and $35. (619) 264-8783.
Elijah Manuel & The Revelations: This local reggae band uses the struggles of Latino immigrants as an inspiration. Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros, Suite T, Solana Beach. 8 p.m. Saturday. $10 to $12. (858) 481.8771 or www.bellyup.com.
Los Ingratos: Rock en español. Over the Border, 3008 Main St., Chula Vista. Fridays and Saturdays. No cover 8 to 10 p.m.; otherwise, $10. www.overtheborder.net or (619) 427-5889.
Cerro Negro: Fusion of flamenco, jazz and Middle Eastern music. Turquoise Bar Europa, 873 Turquoise St., Pacific Beach. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. www.cafebareuropa.com or (858) 488-4200.
Jaime Valle: Latin jazz while you dine. Tutto Mare, 4365 Executive Drive, La Jolla. 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. (858) 597-1188 or www.jaimevalle.com.
Exhibitions
“The Human Age”: Local artist Perry Vasquez presents an overview of his work from the early 1990s to the present. Free. Through Feb. 22 at Southwestern College Art Gallery, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista. (619) 482-6304.
“Chicano Park at Chicana Perk – a History Worth Celebrating”: This exhibition by Anthony Mournain documents the destruction and division of Barrio Logan by the construction of Interstate 5 and later by the Coronado Bay Bridge. It presents 25 black-and-white photographs of the Chicano Park murals. Free. Opens Saturday, through March. Chicana Perk Café, 129 25th. St., San Diego. (619) 961-5609.
“Flores”: Local Univision news anchor Ricardo Vela presents a collection of photographs of flowers. Proceeds will be donated to a program that helps HIV-positive children in Tijuana. Through March at Flowers by Sean, 3334 Fifth Ave., San Diego. (619) 296-1500. www.ricardovelaphotography.com.
“Guatemala!: Celebrations of Weaving”: Colorful textiles made by Maya Indians at the San Diego Museum of Man, 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park. Open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through March. $6. www.museumofman.org or (619) 283-8896.
“TRANSactions: Contemporary Latin American and Latino Art”: Features contemporary works by U.S., Latino and Latin American artists. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St. Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Through May. $10; under 25, free. (858) 454-3541 or www.mcasd.org
Miscellaneous
“Gypsy Fusion”: Flamenco dinner show with guitarist Joseph Fargier. Café Sevilla, 555 Fourth Ave., downtown. 7 p.m. Saturdays. $47.50. (619) 233-5979 or www.cafesevilla.com.
Argentine tango: Dance lessons. Champion Ballroom Academy, 3580 Fifth Ave., downtown. 6 p.m. Mondays. $12. www.tangocaminito.com or (760) 728-7185.
Aztec culture: Learn Aztec dances, music and language. Casa Familiar Civic and Recreation Center, 212 W. Park Ave., San Ysidro. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays. Free. (619) 428-2125.
Tango lessons: Learn how to dance the tango. Performing Arts Workshop, Second and J streets, Encinitas. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays. $10. (760) www.rincondance.org or (760) 632-5340.
TIJUANA
Movies
“Aventuras extremas: El gran desafío de la naturaleza”: This IMAX-format film presents extreme sports action and exciting commentaries by its athletes. Cecut, Paseo de los Heroes y Mina, Zona Río. Monday to Friday, 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m. 44 pesos (about $4); students and children, 25 pesos (about $2.50); Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 22 pesos (about $2). 011-52-664-687-9600 or www.cecut.gob.mx.
Exhibitions
“Orgánica. Realidades de la Frontera”: Explores social realities in Baja California. Cecut, Paseo de los Héroes and Mina, zona Río, Tijuana. Free. 011-52-664-687-9600 or www.cecut.gob.mx.
Miscellaneous
Wrestling: At the Auditorio Municipal, Boulevard Agua Caliente, east of downtown Tijuana. 8 p.m. Held most Fridays; call for current schedule. Tickets start at 60 pesos (about $6). 011-52-664-250-9015.
Cecuti: A new interactive area for children and teens at Cecut, Paseo de los Héroes and Mina, Zona Río, Tijuana. Saturdays and Sundays. Free. 011-52-664-687-9600 or www.cecut.gob.mx.
Looking ahead
“Tribute to the Legends”: Feb. 16. Reggae festival to celebrate Afro-Mexican culture. El Foro, Ave. Revolución 1500, Zona Centro, Tijuana. 8 p.m. $17 to $22. (619) 230-1190 or www.worldbeatcenter.org.
Los Amigos Invisibles: Feb. 17. The Venezuelan electronica band will perform with Si*Se at House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego. 9 p.m. $22 a $25. (619) 299-2583 or www.hob.com.
“San Diego Brazil Carnaval 2007”: Feb. 17. Samba and Brazilian flavor. 4th & B, 345 B St., San Diego. $28 to $33. (619) 299-2583 or www.4thandb.com.
Elefante: Feb. 22: Rock en español at House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego. 9 p.m. $26 to $29. (619) 299-2583 or www.hob.com.
B-Side Players: Feb. 24. The Chicano band will perform its rock from Aztlan at Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros, Suite T, Solana Beach. 8 p.m. $12 to $14. (858) 481.8771 or www.bellyup.com.
Lila Downs: March 2. The singer performs with Mariachi Flores Mexicanas at 4th. & B, 345 B St., San Diego. 8 p.m. $22 to $45. (619) 299-2583.
Christina Aguilera: March 2. The pop singer will perform at ipayOne Center at the Sports Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego. 7:30 p.m. $53 to $88.50. (619) 224-4171.
Ozomatli: March 9 and 10. The Latin rock band will present its new album at the Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros, Solana Beach. 9 p.m. $25 to $27. (858) 481-8771.
“Monique Unleashed!”: March 9. Comedian Monique Marvez presents her new show at House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego. 9 p.m. $10 and $20 with buffet. (619) 299-2583 or www.hob.com.
Alejandra Guzmán: March 15. The Mexican Queen of Rock performs at Pala Casino, 11154 Highway 76, Pala. 7:30 p.m. $45 to $65. (760) 510-5100 or www.palacasino.com.
Jorge Drexler: March 13. The Uruguayan singer-composer will bring his trova to the Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros, Suite T, Solana Beach. (858) 481.8771 or www.bellyup.com.
Aterciopelados: March 28. The Colombian duet presents its album “Oye!” at Canes Bar & Grill, 3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego. (858) 488-1780 or www.canesbarandgrill.com.
To have your event listed, fax material at least two weeks in advance to (619) 260-5088, or e-mail the information to
eventos@enlacelink.com. Comments or questions, (619) 293-2027.
