by Sorrel Moseley-Williams
and Ana Laura Caruso
Herald staff

Well done that politician for deciding to do some repeat business with a five-day music, film, fashion, digital art and poetry festival. It would be wrong to suggest that Ciudad emergente, which is organised by Buenos Aires city government’s Ministry of Culture, might be on a mission to swing younger voters given the forthcoming election, but it would also be wrong not to take advantage of free cultural events, and five days of them. That’s right, free.

The first festival attracted more than 50,000 visitors last time round and as it aims to get into the mindset of the youth, is likely to attract  reams of visitors eager for a slice of indie action.
Rock music and culture is the staple ingredient of this festival, and more than 40 artists and DJs will be taking to the various stages from today. International artists include Mexico’s Ximena Sariñana, Chile’s Gepe and Second from Spain, while national acts include Onda Vaga and Les Mentettes (see below).
In addition, there will be emerging rock-related chats, digital art exhibitions and and street dancing. For those looking for a blast from the past, don’t miss the rock album covers exhibition, while step into your fashion future with the various fashion shows taking place.
Apart from a healthy dousing of live music, there will also be a BAFICI micro cinema space which will be showing various independent music documentaries specifically chosen by the film team.

Ana Laura Caruso chooses her top five must-sees at the second Ciudad Emergente festival.
Onda Vaga. Formed during a summer holiday in Cabo Polonio in 2007, this Argentine indie band combines rumba, cumbia, reggae, folk and rock. Onda Vaga comprises Nacho Rodríguez, Marcelo Blanco, Marcos Orellana, Tomás Justo and Germán Cohen. Their debut album Fuerte y caliente featuring Fito Páez gained quick success on the indie scene. Making use of no electrical devices in most of their shows, the band is full of infectious and positive energy. Thursday at 8pm.

Les Mentettes (which stands for “The Mints”) met in primary school almost two decades ago and last year managed to release their first album Let’s Mentettes. Influenced by The Beatles, The Kinks, Lou Reed and David Bowie, the band combines rock, pop and psychedelic with lyrics in English. Saturday at 4pm.

Banda de Turistas is perhaps the youngest band in Argentina with such big popularity in the indie scene — its members were aged under 20 when they started  out in 2006. Their debut album Mágico corazón radiofónico was released last year and instantly became a favourite among critics and musicians. The group pays homage to rock ‘n roll sounds of the 60s and 70s in Argentina, such as Litto Nebbia’s songs. Banda de Turistas supported Jarvis Cocker,  former leader of Brit pop band Pulp, who played in Buenos Aires last year. Saturday 6.30pm.

Utopians. Post-punk/garage quartet with lyrics in English, led by Bárbara Recanati. The band started in 2005, influenced by Patti Smith, Iggy Pop & The Stooges, Velvet Underground and Television. Last year, they released their debut album, Inhuman by Ganja and No Fun records (Mexico and US). Utopians are the latest sensation. Monday at 4pm.

Prieto viaja al Cosmos con Mariano. Rock-psychedelic duo that comprises a drummer (Mariano) and a guitar player (Prietto). The band started in 2005 and they have released four home-made records and EPs since. Last year, they toured through Mexico, where they supported the band Cansei de ser sexy. Prietto viaja al cosmos con Mariano is influenced by Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, David Lynch’s films, Charles Bukowsky’s books and many others. Monday at 8.30pm.