The UCSB MultiCultural Center (MCC), the social justice and anti-racism hub on campus, which hosts quarterly music performances that elevate and celebrate the vibrancy of diverse communities, will present Latin music sensations Los Pinguos, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15.

The story of Los Pinguos began in 1999, when Adrián Buono, Enzo Buono, José Agote, Juan Manzur and Juan Manuel Leguizamón (later joined by bassist Santiago Lee) formed the band. They came to the U.S. from Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a fusion of sounds, from Latin rhythms, to reggae, rumba flamenco, and even rock.

The band’s unique sound captivated fans starting in 2001, when the group began playing in Los Angeles.

After gaining local fame and notoriety, Los Pinguos participated in the TV show The Next Big Star, where they competed and eventually won the grand prize. Since then, fame has followed as the band has appeared on three of the famous Putumayo World Music compilation albums.

The band has recorded seven of its own CDs, from 2001-11. Los Pinguos has performed worldwide in India, Bali, Switzerland, Mexico, Canada, and throughout the U.S.

For tickets, visit https://events.ucsb.edu/event/ritmo-y-sonido-latino/.

— Itzy Canales for UCSB MultiCultural Center.