Los Enanitos Verdes roll from Argentina to the Fox.

There aren’t many Argentine rock acts who have penetrated America’s consciousness. (Who has heard of Soda Stereo or the Intoxicados?) The band trying the hardest might be Los Enanitos Verdes (“Little Green Dwarves”).

Back in 1998, Los Enanitos Verdes were the first Argentine group to be signed by an American label. That year, Polygram released the Latin rock band’s Traccion Acustica, which was nominated for a “Best Latin Rock Album” Grammy.

In 2000, they hit the road in the United States as part of the Watcha Tour, which came to 18 cities including San Jose and featured Los Angeles hip hop/Latin rock/funk act Ozomatli, Mexican rap metal band Molotov and Mexican alt rockers Café Tacuba.

Within their native country, Los Enanitos Verdes are known for their high-octane performances at the Vina del Mar International Song Festival, a mammoth Latin American music event that has featured performances by The Police and Nelly Furtado. The trio has also scored some huge hits in Latin America with songs “La Muralla Verde,” “Aun Sigo Cantando” and “Tu Carcel.”

Los Enanitos Verdes’ current U.S. tour will take them to San Francisco’s Fillmore, Chicago’s House of Blues and Salinas’ Fox Theater this Saturday. At those stops, Los Enanitos Verdes is sure to play songs including the tight, acoustic alt rock track “Carmencita” and the tasteful ballad “Luz De Dia.” Other popular numbers include “Kumbanquele,” where an acoustic guitar faces off with a battery of percussion instruments, and “Borracho y Loco,” which begins with a wavering flute that sounds straight off a New Age CD before the song morphs into a catchy polished pop rocker.

LOS ENANITOS VERDES play 9pm Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Fox Theater, 241 S. Main St., Salinas. $40. 758-8459.