Grupo Fantasma and Chico Trujillo at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (6/10/10)
Grupo Fantasma Tour Dates 06/12/10 Marquette Waterfront Fest
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Anyway, there was actually a bit of a line outside the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis, on June 10th, so you can tell there’s a feeling of excitement in the air.
It would seem that most of the audience there for Chico Trujillo, because of the “small” group of Chileans in Minnesota. They may have also co-sponsored the show, because the head organizer was also promoting a charity event for Chile Twin Cities Latin Music Festival on June 20th.
Chico Trujillo |
What made Chico Trujillo so fun is that, besides from the large ensemble, is that they are clearly a party band. The horns, the rhythm, and ska-like dancing, was really entertaining to watch. But it wasn’t just the band, the Chileans in the audience was really part of the show as well, waving their flag and dancing along.
I wish I knew more about the band and their music and with my limited Spanish, I really can’t say much about the band. Based on what I’ve seen and heard, this band is best when playing (and they are probably used to) to a large audience, like at a festival.
Since this was really short notice for me, I didn’t know that the headliner was Austin-based Grupo Fantasma. So I was pretty excited about finally seeing them, since we’ve previously review the band’s releases. I believe they said that this was their first time in Minneapolis, so it’s doubly bueno for everyone.
Grupo Fantasma |
I knew that the band had over ten members, but seeing all of them on stage is both impressive and excessive. But it’s good, all the instruments (guitars, drums, trombone, sax, congas, trumpet, bass) all play their part in the band.
Most of their songs were from the just-released El Existential, but it didn’t stop anyone from doing Salsa-type dancing. The highlight for me was “Calor” (hot), because it’s slow to start, but it gets loud fast.
Overall, this is a really good lineup for Spanish big band fans. Fans of both bands will find a lot to like about each band, but between you and me, either band could easily be the headliner. Catch either band if you can, I have included Grupo Fantasma’s current tour dates here, but you should look at Chico Trujillo’s dates as well.
06/12/2010 09:17:53 ♥ vu (
) ♥ grupofantasma.com/myspace ♥chicotrujillo.com/myspace