since circa 2004 La Pobreska was formed in 2004. With a mix of Hardcore/Ska/Reggae and many more influences, La Pobreska from the East Los Angeles Latino ska/punk scene addresses political and everyday life issues. This eight piece powerhouse ska-core/reggae outfit use the heaviest punk mixed with complex horn arrangements inherit in large traditional ska and medium sized jazz ensembles. La Pobreska have share the stage with bands such as Death By Stereo, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Union 13, The Darlings, La Resistencia, Chencha Berrinches, Viernes 13, Upground, Authority Zero, La Banda Skalavera, Matamoska and many more.

A sound check ensues with a band called Blanco y Negro. Once its members get going, blasting the room with a frenetic Latin-punk sound sung both in English and Spanish, the young crowd forms a circle and begins to skank. The dance has them lifting their elbows and knees rhythmically to the ska beat, rushing and pushing against one another when the music accelerates into punk or metal.