La Tribu.The Tribe. Simply put: the biggest and most incendiary dance band working today between Los Angeles and New York. For the past year this sensational 12-piece orquesta from Austin has been redefining the term "big band" weekly - with style, panache, and a show that brings audiences out in droves and packs local dance floors to capacity. The immediate popularity of the "big band" style among jaded Austin rock and blues clubgoers has been a pleasant - though not entirely unexpected - turn of events for La Tribu. Just how popular is evidenced by the fact that the barely year-old group was awarded "Best World Music Group" at the 2001 Austin Music Awards. "World Music" is in fact an apt description - drawing on influences as diverse as their nationalities, the group leaves virtually no stone unturned or influence un-namechecked in its spirited exploration of El Musica De La Tribu. From Perez Prado to Duke Ellington, Tito Puente to Earth, Wind & Fire and De La Soul to Santana, La Tribu creates a seamlessly amalgamated style that respects tradition yet remains fresh and innovative enough to appeal to fans of all ages, races and musical tastes. In targeting crossover audiences, this multinational outfit has taken the current latin dance craze out of the salsa clubs and "taken it the street" with extraordinary results. What was merely a tentative weekly Wednesday gig at famed Austin blues club, "Antones?", has now become an open-ended residency. "World Music" not withstanding, the intense rhythms of salsa, the energy of funk and the sensuality of rhythm and blues combine with the crowd-pleasing spectacle of a 12-piece "big band" to illuminate minds, move hips, and incite SERIOUS dancefloor frenzy. NOW..... with the release of their first album, " ATACA! " La Tribu is poised to bring its infectious energy to the world outside Texas. Are you ready?