On December 18 I returned for a whirlwind tour of Charlotte, mainly to witness the album release party for Bakalao Stars at the Neighborhood Theatre. Their new CD includes songs the band has been working on for several years; it also features two guest collaborations, 'Verde,' recorded with Itagui from Locos Por Juana while that band was in town playing the Latin American Festival in October, and 'Gitana,' with local reggae singer Ras-Congo. In the days leading up to the performance, Bakalao Stars received a heaping of local press coverage, including reviews in both Spanish and English papers.
After two months in New York spent writing up the first chapters of my dissertation, I flew down to Charlotte Friday afternoon and spent the evening catching up with friends on the latest news and gossip. On Saturday afternoon it snowed, but didn't really stick. Luckily, the bad weather didn't prevent several hundred people from coming out to see the show and celebrate with holiday cheer. I hung out for the soundcheck and then spent some time interviewing Bakalao Stars about their album.
Messing around during soundcheck.
Ultimanota, another local band that readers of this blog will be familiar with, opened up with some uptempo rock-infused tropical numbers. For the first time, I heard them cover the salsa classic 'Juanita Alemana' which had a nice groove.
Tony and Oscar jamming out.
Fans having fun.
Next Bakalao Stars took the stage dressed in red Santa costumes. After showing a promo video on the screen behind the stage, they started playing a mix of old stuff and songs from the new album.
Bakalao Stars played a full set, which intensified as the night went on. Dancers skipped around and fans sang along to songs they knew.
After a short break, the encore featured Ras-Congo, who, after prancing around the stage all night, finally took the mic and sang 'Gitana' to an attentive audience.
Many folks hung out afterwards to congratulate the band and say goodbye to Daniel, the lead vocalist, who is leaving the band after many years to study in Argentina.
Ras-Congo and Greñas show off their locks.
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