After 27 years of independent music, the Alicia Forum is closing.

At the end of 2021 Ignatius PinedaFounder Alisa Multiforumannounced that the venue will close this December, after 27 years of contributing to the development of independent music in various genres such as rock, ska, surf, rockabilly, and where the bands and singers that are now united began to play.

It opened its doors on December 1, 1995, among the bands playing in the first weeks was La Tremenda Korte, led by Manuel Corona, Manuloco, the band’s vocalist, who thought the invitation was a joke because he didn’t know “Nacho”. .

“We offered to play Sekta Core! and La Matatena, we started with a very slow version of “Tres Patines”, there were not many people there, our friends and girlfriends and relatives were there, because obviously it was a new forum and it did not have the conditions of La Diabla ( another place), it was more austere, very funk-hole-like, and that won us over,” recalls Manuloko.

All these years playing there has been a unique experience, both for the musicians and for the audience. In this small space, which now seats 350 people, events were held with the participation of more than a thousand people, where everyone danced, sang and had fun shoulder to shoulder.

“At that time, everyone was twinned, there were few violent events, they happened, but there was always caution,” added the musician, who lost count of the concerts they gave there, but remembered that this was necessary for ska. in the 90s and the beginning of this century. Something similar happened to surf music with bands like Yucatán a Go Go, Lost Acapulco and Sr. Bikini, for the last group, this closure is the end of the stage.

“El Alicia defined an era in music not only as a place for artistic expression, it also allowed for free development of technicians and staff, because here you were not charged, as in other places, so that you could play. It has also received recognition on the international stage because in several countries where we have performed, we are asked by both the groups and the public,” said Big Mascara, the voice of Mr. Bikini.

WON BY YOUR ART

Another distinctive feature of this place was the posters announcing concerts or exhibitions and typical for this place. In addition, many are pasted on the walls of the site.

“It was a laboratory of minor cultures, and it allowed many types of artistic expression, and graphics were important, they created an identity that was gradually recognized and denoted a style. And in accordance with his ideology of respect and openness, there were posters establishing positions, for example, against machismo or for the legalization of marijuana, ”recalls the surf musician.

Both singers know that Nacho Pineda has said several times that he will close this place and he does not, but this time they see it safer and understand it because they know how difficult it is to maintain this place, so many of his colleagues are not encouraged take the reins of government.

“Music will always find a way to open up, at the end of the day, it’s a community experience,” said Big Mascara.

“It wasn’t easy to deal with because they shut it down because it didn’t comply with legal regulations, but it still comes back,” Manuloko said.

ALICE MULTIFORUM

• One of the most iconic concerts was Manu Chao’s in 2006, a day after the performance at the Zócalo.
• Saul Hernandez also wanted to play there and came here with the Jaguares also in 2006.
• To the concert of Panteón Rococó and Sr. Bikini gathered more than 1200 people.
• Manuloko indicated that the authorities needed to update the legal framework for these types of places to operate.
• This year the institution turns 27 years old.
• 2005 Alejandro Ramirez Corona made a short film about this place.

BUDDY