Hip-hop in Grand Rapids is not rare, as evidenced by the July issues of Revue and Recoil Magazine, which both devoted covers to hip-hop artists and the scene.
But with the appearance of El Gremio, a Spanish language act not afraid to dele into the arena of hip-hop, they help fill a void with a distinct sound born out of the timba of ethnic salsa, which gives birth to other familiar styles including rock, funk, and soul.
Local musician Julio Villalobos has been very busy these last few months inviting more and more Latino acts to place Grand Rapids on their tour destination maps. The result has been a win for our region, especially in attracting an act like El Gremio, who will wind down their North America tour at Founders Brewing Company.
"What is also distinctive about El Gremio is that they rescue the Chilean heritage, particularly in their lyrics," says Villalobos.
It is within the band's lyrics that a poetic flight takes to the sky from the stage as the band effortlessly addresses social, political and even more philosophical issues, touching on the universal themes of identity, love and justice.
Opening for the band is our local multi-national act Cabildo, which could quite possibly feature the first appearance on stage of their guitarist Julio Cesar, who has just completed a nearly month-long "vacation" with the federal government.
Admission: $10.
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