Barrier Breakers

Both bands began, hot and hopeful, in 1971. One came from East L.A., the other from the Bay Area, and each broke down barriers by blending Latin music with rock and R&B.;

Together, Tierra and Malo represent successful Latin-pop crossover long before the Miami Sound Machine. They will be in a concert doubleheader Saturday at the Ventura Theatre, 26 S. Chestnut St., in Ventura. Also on the bill is El Chicano.

Malo’s potent Latin-rock sound came up in the ‘70s, alongside Santana. Malo had its own Santana--Carlos’ brother, guitarist Jorge. In 1972, the group enjoyed a peak of fame with the hit “Suavecito” and an album that hit No. 2 on the national pop charts.

Tierra honed its sound through the ‘70s and struck gold later, with their No. 1 hit, “Together” in 1980. On its new album, “Tonight,” on the Thump label, the band reprises the hit as “Together (Unity),” with a rap vocal.

The bands are back in your neighborhood and ready for action. The show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $17.50. For more information, call 648-1888.