Playing Catchup with Ximena Sariñana

My biggest regret from last year's Latin Alternative Music Conference is definitely missing Ximena Sariñana's performance. I'd chalk it up to "conflicting schedules," but the truth is I'd seen about 15 bands perform that night already, and I just didn't have the stamina for an uber-late night set at the Bowery. Thanks to hearsay and YouTube, I've been able to vicariously experience the Mexican singer-songwriter's amazing set...although I'm still craving that rush of seeing her live in concert, which you know I love!

Luckily, Ximena is giving me a second chance; the piano-playing songstress just announced her first U.S. tour, which kicks off April 18 in Miami and ends May 3 in Dallas. This time, I promise to check out her NYC show April 19 at S.O.B.'s and dutifully report back.

While you're waiting for Ximena to hit up your local intimate concert venue and wail on the keys, feast your ears on music from her breakthrough album, Mediocre, or check out the emerging alt-Latin artists she's listening to right now on her MySpace Music featured playlist, which just went live today. I'm really digging Ximena's pick of Daniela Spalla, a virtual unknown from Argentina with a very cool soul-funk swagger. When I do finally see Ximena live in two months, I'll be sure to say thanks for the tip.

VIDEO: Ximena Sariñana performing at the 2008 Latin Alternative Music Conference