Many bands, even those considered among the best, struggle to stay together past a few years. Changes in taste, artistic interests, and personal lives all contribute to the difficulties to keep a group of musicians together. Things like critical or commercial success do little to alter this fact. That’s why Grupo Fantasma, the headliner for the first installment of this year’s Thursday Night Concert Series, is all the more remarkable, as they have been playing shows and recording music together for more than two decades now.
Hailing from Austin, the nine-piece collective consists of Jose Galeano (timbales, vocals), Kino Esparza (vocals, hand percussion), Beto Martinez (guitar), Greg Gonzalez (bass), John Speice (drums), Matthew “Sweet Lou” Holmes (congas), Gilbert Elorreaga (trumpet), Josh Levy (baritone saxophone) and Mark “Speedy” Gonzales (trombone).
In 2011, they won a Grammy (their second nomination) for their self–produced El Existential album, and were even praised by Prince, who said they were “real musicians playing real music.” Grupo Fantasma has performed at major festivals and venues like Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, Kennedy Center, London’s O2 Arena, as well as two tours to Kuwait and Iraq to entertain US troops.
Their seventh full-length album “American Music Vol. VII” was released in March 2019 on Blue Corn Music, and deals in issues of identity as well as borders (and those who cross them). They also hope to challenge prevailing views on what makes certain types of music American. Don’t miss their performance at Discovery Green at 7 p.m. on May 2!
That night is also Alumni Night, a chance to to reconnect with fellow alumni, enjoy great music, and support UHD! There will be a special alumni section with food drinks, and the option to purchase beer from Saint Arnold Brewing.
The opener that night is Grupo Vadenagi, a Mexican Norteno band.
Thursday; May, 2 – Grupo Fantasma
Opener: Grupo Vadenagi
Visit the UHD Thursday Night Concert Series for more details on the performers. Guests are welcome to bring blankets, camping chairs and snacks. Please leave alcohol and glass containers at home. Food, beer and wine are available for purchase at The Lake House within Discovery Green.
The UHD Thursday Night Concerts line-up includes:
THURSDAY, MAY 2
Headliner: Grupo Fantasma // Opening Act: Grupo Vadenagi
THURSDAY, MAY 9
Headliner: Theo Lawrence // Opening Acts: Kalu & The Electric Joint, The Creeps
THURSDAY, MAY 16
Headliner: Vortxz // Opening Acts: Astragal, Blossom Aloe
THURSDAY, MAY 23
Headliner: Mobley // Opening Acts: Joaquin and The Glowliners, Sugar Joiko
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