Fantasma at the Casbah, Wednesday (6/22)

Grupo Fantasma stops in at Casbah in Durham this Wednesday (6/22) for a Latin funkstravaganza. From Austin, Tex., its southwestern sound embraces cumbia, horn-driven funk, L.A. Latin rock, and classic New York salsa. (There's even a little Cuban chaos in there: its fourth album, the Grammy-nominated Sonidos Gold, features an Irakere cover.) Fantasma's funk credentials are in order: In 2007, Prince handpicked the band to headline his Vegas club.


Its fifth--and most recent--CD, El Existential, was recorded in a home-built studio in Austin, and features guests from the Meatpuppets as well as the Fania All Stars--Larry Harlow plays electric piano on a gangster cha-cha.

I will be there on Wednesday, wearing headphones: DJ Santa Salsera spins old school salsa from 7 pm until showtime, and again after the live set. It's been awhile since I've deejayed a live party for dancers, and I'm really looking forward to it.

Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 door. To be compliant with NC state law, Casbah has a membership policy which involves a one-time, $5 fee; the door is CASH ONLY, so come prepared. You can buy drinks with credit at the bar.

Event link:

GRUPO FANTASMA with DJ Santa Salsera @ Casbah, June 22