As difficult as it is for indie bands to make an impact these days, imagine how much harder it is for non-English-speaking artists in the U.S. Despite the popularity of world music, such groups are inadvertently relegated to novelty status, with limited airplay options and even more limited opportunities to showcase their music. One group that’s managing to break those barriers in a big way, with a mix of Cambodian pop and rock, is Dengue Fever. The six-piece, Los Angeles-based sextet performs Saturday, Oct. 25 at The Loft, UCSD campus. The band’s performance will be part of a short tour promoting a new documentary about the band, “Sleepwalking through the Mekong.” The evening will include a screening of the film, which details Dengue Fever’s 2005 trip to Cambodia, a question-and-answer session and a concert. Formed in 2001 by brothers Zac and Ethan Holtzman after inspiration struck during a visit to Cambodia, the band now includes vocalist Chhom Nimol, bassist Senon Williams, brass player David Ralicke and drummer Paul Smith. “We’re playing colleges because this is more of a cultural event than a straight concert,” Smith said. “Even if you’re not a fan of the band, it works well with its mix of images and music.” The group, which performs songs in the Khmer language as well as English, released its self-titled debut album in 2003. Dengue Fever slowly began to build up its fan base through incessant touring that has regularly brought them to San Diego, including stops at The Casbah and this year’s Street Scene. The year 2005 brought the group’s second album, “Escape from Dragon House,” but it’s with their current disc, “Venus on Earth,” that they’ve made the biggest impact. Now signed to music legend Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records outside the U.S., Dengue Fever is poised to make a worldwide impact. Unusual for a band together seven years, the original membership remains intact. “We just work really well together,” Smith explained. “It’s a good overall experience,” he added with a laugh. While he’s grateful for Dengue Fever’s current success, Smith admits he originally thought the band’s options would be far more limited. “I was skeptical at first, as is my nature,” he said. ” I really enjoyed the music, but I didn’t think it would have as much universal appeal as it turned out to have.” Smith is particularly surprised by the group’s use in such programs as “Saturday Night Live,” where their music turned up in a comedic skit satirizing North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il. “That really was unexpected. We just started getting calls from friends letting us know it was a great surprise,” a still-incredulous Smith said. The group’s music has also shown up in the TV series “Weeds” as well as the 2002 Matt Dillon film “City of Ghosts.” However, his biggest point of pride is the appearance of their song, “Escape from Dragon House,” in an episode of the same name on the HBO program “True Blood.” “It was amazing to have the song in there played on the radio. It was written into the script,” he commented. Smith considers it to be an amazing journey so far. Having just finished the summer festival circuit, he’s looking forward to more recording and another tour for the band. He notes there has been no shortage of highlights in the band’s career. “Incredible things have happened in this band, and we’re all appreciative — things like making a documentary, going to Cambodia and playing with master musicians,” he said. “These are things I never would have pictured when I first joined the band.” Dengue Fever performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at UCSD’ s The Loft, 9500 Gilman Drive. For more information, visit http://www.artpwr.com/events/68.