ALMA was formed in 2001. One of ALMA's first projects was to establish the music series entitled “Sonidos del Barrio” (i.e., Sounds of the Barrio) for the purpose of showcasing a broad array of Latino musical styles. Sonidos del Barrio has featured groups such as La Tribu, Grupo Fantasma, Willie Santiago & Jazz PR, Del Castillo, C’est La Vie, Teye y Viva el Flamenco, Los Jazz Vatos and Santiago Jimenez Jr.
ALMA has established a lifetime achievement award called "Idolos del Barrio" (i.e., Barrio Idols) to recognize influential Latino musicians, promoters and broadcasters. Among those recognized are the Nash Hernandez Orchestra*, Manuel "Cowboy" Donley y las Estrellas*, Ruben and Alfonso Ramos*, Jesse y Beto Duran y Los Aguilillas*, Johnny Degollado y su Conjunto*, Camilo Cantu, Roy Montelongo, Ruben Perez y su Orquesta, Matt Velaquez y su Orquesta, Lalo Campos and Marcelo Tafoya. The artists marked with an “*” artist highighted in orange have also performed as part of the “Sonidos del Barrio” music series.
In 2005, ALMA established the noon-concert series entitled "Sabor Latino" (i.e., Latin Flavor) in collaboration with the City of Austin for the purpose of creating another vehicle to promote local Latino artists at a new and exciting downtown venue, the outdoor plaza at the new City Hall. Artists featured as part of this series included, Ruben Ramos, Patricia Vonne, Los Texas Wranglers and Alfonso Ramos. This music series was mentioned in the Hispanic Magazine article that touted Austin as the best city for Hispanics for the second year in a row.
ALMA is planning another installment of the “Sonidos del Barrio” music series, including an Idolos del Barrio awards presentation, for May 2006.
ALMA is also involved in a collaborative with other organizations and individuals interested in promoting Latino music, specifically in May, which has been designated by the City of Austin as Latino Music Month. ALMA’s web site will host the calendar of events for this month-long program.
