Grupo Fantasma

Grupo Fantasma

Grupo Fantasma is an eleven-piece Latin funk orchestra from Austin, Texas. Formed in 2000 from the merger of two Austin acts, The Blue Noise Band and The Blimp, the group begins with a sold-out show at the former Empanada Parlour in Austin. Its line-up includes Adrian Quesada, Gilbert Elloreaga, Jose Galeano, Mark V. Gonzales, Greg Gonzalez, Matthew Holmes, Josh Levy, Johnny Lopez, Beto Martinez, Rodolfo Rodriguez and Leo Gauna.

The band plays cumbia, funk and latin music, and is known for energetic live performances. It works steadily as a touring act and performs a large number of shows each year. Grupo Fantasma also appears at major festivals and showcases, including Austin City Limits Music Festival, the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Calgary Folk Music Festival, SXSW and the inaugural South Padre International Music Festival in 2007.

The group develops a notable association with Prince and his 3121 Club in Las Vegas, backing Prince on several occasions, including his performance at the ALMA Awards in 2007, and often appearing at his afterparty jam sessions. Its horn section also appears on releases by other artists and performs with Spoon.

Grupo Fantasma sells more than 20,000 albums independently. Its music is featured prominently in the NYC Cable Access television show The Unbelievable Show from 2001 to 2004. The album Sonidos Gold is nominated for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album at the 51st Grammy Awards. The songs “Chocolate,” “Barretta” and “Perso Fra/Mesquites” also appear in the season 6 premiere of Weeds.

The band taping an episode of Austin City Limits for PBS, which first airs in 2007.