Des Moines-based PLC is recording third album
9/3/2025
Music from thousands of years ago has evolved from culture to culture throughout the world. The same rhythm performed then is still relevant today and is played by the Parranderos Latin Combo (PLC).
PLC is a Latin band with music inspired by salsa, cumbia, afrobeat, plena, son montuno and more from both South and North America. PLC plays original music with a high-energy dance vibe and consists of a 6- or 7-piece band.
The band is based in Des Moines and is a longtime performer at the Iowa Latino Heritage Festival, playing at the Western Gateway Park on Sept. 28.
PLC was formed 15 years ago by Fernando Aveiga and Ryan Mullin. The band recorded two albums with songs sung in Spanish. Currently, they are working on recording a third album. The albums were partially funded by the Iowa Arts Council and a National Endowment for the Arts award.
Aveiga began playing music when he was 5 years old. He attended classes to master playing the organ. His dad then taught him chords on a guitar, and he now plays an acoustic nine-string.
“It was the coolest thing to play guitar. I brought my guitar to school,” he says. “Socially, it was better than playing the organ.”
Aveiga continues to utilize a musical coach.
“I use a coach to prepare for a big tour, as it helps refine myself. I’m a musical person surrounded by experienced, high-caliber musicians. Great things happen when we elevate ourselves,” he says.
PLC plays numerous Midwest venues including the World Food Festival, Iowa State Fair, Okoboji Store, sold-out Valentine’s Day shows at Wooly’s and more. During performances, the band encourages dancing.
“People are drawn to the dance music, which we showcase. Some say they don’t know how to dance, yet our music is intoxicating, and people are drawn to the dance floor,” he says.
The rhythm includes afrobeat and Caribbean-inspired music. Aveiga cites the popularity of Bad Bunny, a young Puerto Rican rapper who sings primarily in Spanish, for giving recognition to Latino music, which he says is timeless.
“I feel like it (Bad Bunny) is a renewal of salsa music. Many of our fans don’t speak Spanish. Our shows don’t mean you have to be in front of Spanish speakers to enjoy the universal language of music,” he says.
Band members are mostly from Iowa, and they bring in other musicians to complete their sound. Yet, it comes with a trade-off, as more band members means less compensation.
“It’s economically harder, such as a three-piece versus a seven-piece band,” he says. “The dollars are stretched.”
Aveiga says he is proud of the fact that band members hail from Iowa. Ironically, he says that Iowa-based Slipknot is similar in how they established themselves in Iowa.
“A lot of our writing occurs during hard winters. We see why Slipknot exists. We have in common extreme weather, which influences our music as well.”
When Aveiga is on stage, he says he feels an adrenaline rush.
“Once you’re in the groove, you’re relaxed. It’s like a roller coaster. You go from easy part to hard parts, which are difficult to play,” he explains.
Yet, when it all comes together and he views of sea of dancers in syncopated rhythm, it’s a beautiful spectacle.
“People radiate that back to us, with their singing and dancing,” he says. “You look around. I see my musician friends playing. It’s contagious. They are having a great time, too.” ♦
