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| Grupo Fantasma's Austin City Limits Airdate Set for Nov. 17th 2007 As Grupo Fantasma prepares for a busy fall packed with festival and club dates, the Latin collective received the exciting news confirming the airdate for their appearance on Season 33 of Austin City Limits, America's longest running televised concert series. “Every season, the show seems to keep reaching new heights,” said Terry Lickona, longtime producer for ACL. “The talent line-up so far for Season 33 speaks volumes about the series' lasting appeal and integrity, and the fact that we're able to attract such an eclectic array of original and innovative artists of every stripe. Grupo Fantasma is one of the most exciting bands to come out of Austin in decades. They're the sound of the city today--young, eclectic, adventurous, cosmopolitan! Their name says it all, and we're thrilled to have them on our stage for millions more to discover.” PBS will air the band's performance nationally on November 17th, 2007 and viewers are encouraged to check local listings for exact date and time for their area. For the uninitiated, Grupo Fantasma is undoubtedly the finest and funkiest latin orchestra to come out of the United States in the last decade. The band is still riding the momentum from their critically acclaimed performances with Prince in London this past August, their first trip overseas and in front of 20,000 people. The band's relationship with the legendary artist began last November with a two month Thursday night stint at the musical giant's Las Vegas nightclub 3121 and a hip-shaking performance at his mega-celeb filled Golden Globes after party. Fantasma opened for Prince in front of 8,000 fans in Miami, Florida and served as his backup band at several high profile events including the CBS Superbowl Bash in South Beach, the ALMA Awards (aired on ABC), and an exclusive private party in their hometown of Austin, TX. ”The only other band I've seen get that kind of audience reaction was the Ramones” confesses Austin Chronicle and Village Voice music critic Jim Caliguiri. “With all of their releases the band has become even more adventurous, mixing styles in ways that are unexpected but ruled by the groove. This group of enthusiastic youngsters has grown into a monstrous and masterful ensemble that has sold more than 20,000 discs independently. Their chops and confidence continue to grow but the raw, boisterous attitude remains. The band successfully obliterates the clichs that often plague the current Latin music market, all the while keeping their feet firmly planted in the traditions that they love and deeply respect.” write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |