Despite its seemingly official, compendious name, the Mexican Institute of Sound is not some sprawling, south-of-the-border government entity all about the science of airwaves and eardrums. In fact, the Institute's only got one member -- Mexico City cratedigger-slash-EMI exec Camilo Lara -- and he mostly studies the art of shaking ass. 
Only active since 2005, the earliest known MIS artifacts are a series of Xmas mixtapes that Lara made for friends. Back then, music production was nothing more than an after-work hobby. But when Camilo's pals seriously lost their shit over his digitally blenderized take on cumbia, indie-dance, electro, bolero, old-school hip-hop, and funk ... He hit the studio hard, quickly popping off both debut disc Méjico Máxico and sophmore effort Piñata.
Today, MIS has moved into a fresh era of expansion. It's still technically a solo thing, but following the breakout burst of third album Soy Sauce and single "Alocatel," Lara's decided to add Julian Placencia (bass/turntables) and Paco Vazquez (drums) to MIS's live lineup. Together, they've hit Coachella, Reading, and Glastonbury over the last year. And now, this Friday Camilo and his new crew will finally drop some ass shaking knowledge on downtown MIA.
As part of the Jack Daniel's Studio No. 7 Concert Series kickoff party. Friday, December 18. Ecco Lounge, 168 SE First St., Miami. Doors open at 10 p.m., and the event is free with RSVP to [email protected]. 305-960-1900; eccomiami.com.
