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Chicano punk icons Juanita y Juan keep on rocking for new generations

BBG News

On a typical Sunday morning at the Ford Theater in Los Angeles, one wouldn’t expect punk rock icons like Juanita y Juan to be performing alongside puppeteers from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. However, they did just that, creating an unusual yet engaging experience for local children.

Following a morning creating homemade paper puppets in the entrance area, kids moved towards the stage to enjoy the quirkiness of Juanita y Juan’s electro-cumbia guitar performances – a unique blend of music they refer to as “loud lounge.

The twosome was joined by antique puppets and their attendants, who served as backup dancers in the forms of jellyfish, cats, and extraterrestrials. Audience members danced joyously and swayed gently to the rhythm of the drum machine tunes as “Juan,” or Kid Congo Powers, shared an anecdote about his hair accidentally catching fire during a candlelit punk concert with the Cramps.

When a pair of boisterous children began attempting to ascend the stage, the security personnel quickly stepped in. “Wow, that’s quite rock ‘n’ roll!”, exclaimed Juanita, more famously recognized as Alice Bag.

In the 1970s, Bag and Powers found themselves in a situation they’d come to know well. The first time they met, Bag was leading the Bags, while Powers played guitar for groups like the Gun Club, the Cramps, and later Pink Monkey Birds. At that time, it would have been difficult for them to imagine how their rough-edged scene would grow into such a significant force in its early days.

In a Zoom discussion prior to the performance, Kid expressed that everyone was attempting to establish a fresh counterculture or challenge the generic music of the time. Bag then chimed in, saying they all united under the banner of punk rock.

In the rich tapestry of Los Angeles punk music history, Chicanos have always been a constant presence. However, while numerous predominantly white bands such as Germs, X, and the Go-Go’s were celebrated in countless books and documentaries for shaping the genre, Bag and Powers felt compelled to share their unique experiences as Mexican American musicians who defied conventions.

Initially, they penned down accounts of their lives onto paper. In the year 2011, Alice Bag released her memoir titled “Violence Girl: East L.A. Rage to Hollywood Stage, a Chicana Punk Story,” and in 2022, Kid Congo Powers published another one entitled “Some New Kind of Kick.

Their collaboration on a song for the 2022 Peacock mystery series “The Resort” marked the beginning of Juanita y Juan’s duo. They opened up to De Los about their past experiences, their latest album titled “Jungle Cruise”, and provided advice for young Latinos navigating through the turbulent times in the U.S.

The following interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Tell me about your supergroup, Juanita y Juan. What sparked this idea for you?

Kid Congo Powers: Juanita and Juan are my pseudonyms, with Alice using hers as well. Our inspiration came from Marty & Elayne, a cabaret covers duo at the Dresden Room [in Los Feliz]. They gained a massive fanbase; they appeared in the film “Swingers.” The tunes they perform are lively.

After Alice published her book “Violence Girl,” we rekindled our friendship. Subsequently, we were invited to compose a song for the 2022 TV show on Peacock titled “The Resort.” Both of us are signed under In the Red Records from Los Angeles. They required a track by a beach lounge act, preferably in Spanish. As Mexican Americans, I initially considered Alice less capable due to her fluency in Spanish. However, she suggested we collaborate on a duet instead, which they appreciated.

Alice Bag: Utilizing the concept of “The Resort,” we initially envisioned a “loud lounge” vibe. However, it evolved into numerous unique expressions that truly reflected our character, and ventured beyond our typical realm – delving into diverse rhythms such as Latin beats and tropical grooves. During a month in Tucson, we actually composed and recorded the songs that made up the album titled “Jungle Cruise.

So how did this puppet show come into play?

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater found our music suitable for a children’s punk-style performance.

A.B.: Prior to our collaboration, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater. We teamed up for a video related to a track on my “Sister Dynamite” album, which dropped in 2020. Additionally, I used to be an educator myself, and I would often bring my students to that vintage theater. So, the theater holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the magic and wonder experienced by children during puppet shows.

Your contributions to punk music during its initial stages as fellow Latinos have been truly inspiring to me. Discovering about you, along with other Latin punk musicians like Jeffrey Lee Pierce (The Gun Club), has been incredibly affirming for me as a young Latina and punk enthusiast. Could you share how you two bonded over your shared Mexican-American experiences?

In the early days of punk music, it wasn’t just Kid, myself, and a few others; there were numerous Latinos who played significant roles. For instance, Trudie Arguelles was an influential figure in Los Angeles punk scene.

K.C.P.: Yeah, she was the it girl.

Margot Olavarria, the founding bassist of the Go-Go’s, was quite influential in the music scene. Tito Larriva formed the Plugs, while Robert Lopez and Hector Penalosa were part of the Zeros. There were many Latinos involved. However, I believe one key factor was — I’m Alice Bag, but Bag is not my real surname. Our original family names became less known, and people often associated us with our band names, similar to how the Ramones were recognized. We united under the banner of punk rock music.

In our case, our ethnicity was evident, but it wasn’t immediately apparent due to our choice of clothing. People often mistook us for circus performers or gang members, questioning if a circus was in town or if we were potentially dangerous. This shared misunderstanding brought us together, and we found safety in each other’s company, as we were all considered outsiders or oddities.

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In your memoir “Violence Girl,” you discussed the conflicts that arose from blending the traditional Mexican values you were raised with, against the innovative punk culture you were cultivating.

A.B.: People formed a certain impression of me quite early due to my background in East L.A., as they were familiar with the gang environment there. Since I learned to defend myself, they perceived me as intimidating or scary. Even Kid Congo Powers thought I was scary.

Did you think she was scary?

I found her captivating. Every time Alice Bag took the stage, the atmosphere became electric with anticipation. It was this sense of danger and unpredictability that drew me in and made me fascinated by her and the band. They had a certain edge to them, something volatile and explosive. The performance could erupt into chaos at any moment, or it might turn into a wild celebration.

And Kid is quite accustomed to disorder. You managed to keep pace with bands such as The Cramps. Can you recall any Latin performer who may have inspired your own stage presence?

Or, in a more conversational tone:

You’ve got a good handle on chaos, having played with bands like The Cramps. Do you remember any Latin entertainer who might have influenced the way you perform?

K.C.P.: Iris Chacón.

Wow, I didn’t know you got down like that!

K.C.P.: My mom watched her on TV. That was exciting.

A.B.: That’s where he got his maraca work from.

As for my attire, there was Ritchie Valens without a doubt. I’m fond of classic rock and roll music. Then came my encounter with Jeffrey Lee Pierce of the Gun Club around 1978 or ’79. We connected because we were both Chicano. I hail from La Puente, while he was from El Monte in San Gabriel Valley. We would often reminisce about musical tunes echoing from a garage in La Puente, a Chicano band playing Santana or War. We felt like outsiders, growing up in America, but we were immersed in the Chicano community. To add to this, I was aware of my queer identity at a young age… I wasn’t sure if I belonged or not.

Influences of A.B. stem from Spanish-language tunes, particularly those sung by passionate and dramatic artists like Raphael. Additionally, A.B. is a devoted admirer of José Alfredo Jiménez, a prolific songwriter known for his heartfelt ranchera songs that resonate deeply with listeners. A.B. believes there’s a parallel between ranchera music and punk, both genres being universally appealing and most impactful when everyone participates in the performance. For A.B., both styles embody the spirit of “the people’s music.

Does that bring to mind the revival of ballads, or corridos, among younger generations? While some of these tunes stir up debate, it’s intriguing to notice a similar spirit of defiance, much like punk music. What are your thoughts on this?

Often, folks tell me they think young people today are missing out compared to my generation. However, I’ve never doubted the capabilities of younger individuals. There seems to be a new phenomenon happening, one that we older generations may not fully grasp because it’s beyond our understanding. That’s why you might not be aware of it either.

What words of inspiration or guidance would you offer to young, unique Latinos who may be struggling with their identity and feeling discouraged by recent events in the nation? How can they continue to stay true to themselves and their values?”

This version maintains the original meaning while using simpler language that is more accessible to a general audience.

Living authentically may sometimes feel solitary, yet it’s incredibly empowering. At my current age of 60, I can proudly assert that I’ve pursued music in a way true to myself. This journey was possible, something I never anticipated. My path began when Jeffrey Lee Pierce handed me a guitar and said, “I believe you can do this, and you will.” Inspired by his faith in me, I decided to give it a try. All you need is to trust yourself enough to say ‘yes’ to your own potential.

You’re not facing this alone. The world and the U.S., specifically, are filled with issues that many want to fight against. It can be overwhelming and disheartening, but remember, you don’t carry the burden alone. Surrounding you is a community ready to support you. We may work in different ways, but we’re all part of the same team. Together, we will navigate through these challenges.

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2025-07-25 00:31

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