If you haven't acquainted yourself with Calexico yet, you should. Local band with a unique sound - highly recommend 'em for something different.



Aside from the rockin' tunes, they're supportive of the human rights movement along la frontera. This Saturday they'll be playing at the Rialto here in Tucson to benefit Humane Borders. Caliente has more:

Joey Burns is just like you.

He lives in Tucson, enjoys the local music scene and loves the city for all its different cultures.

Unlike you, he is in Calexico, a band that's coming off arguably its biggest year. It toured the world behind two critically acclaimed releases, the gorgeous EP "In the Reigns," a collaboration with Iron and Wine, and the band's equally eloquent "Garden Ruin," its fifth full-length album. The band played everywhere from the UK to the renowned "Austin City Limits" television show.

Despite the success, the Latin-infused dust rockers are still tied to Tucson and particularly concerned with issues on the border, a region that drew even more publicity this year than Calexico.

"I'm not a big fan of building a Berlin Wall in the middle of the desert," Burns said. "I find it's going in a backwards direction as to what this country stands for and what we're promoting worldwide."

The band kicks off a brief West Coast tour Saturday night with its fourth annual hometown benefit show. The proceeds will go to community radio station KXCI (91.3-FM), Solar Culture Art Gallery and the Humane Borders organization.

Along for the ride at the Rialto Theatre will be representatives from Music for America, a nonprofit group that encourages political awareness, and Humane Borders.

"If someone anywhere is in need of help, they should be offered aid," Burns said.

P.S. I would be a bad OzoHead if I failed to mention that Ozomatli is returning to the Old Pueblo for another show in December. Can't wait!