Review: 2013 TransAtlantic Festival Brings Latin Flair

The 2013 Heineken TransAtlantic Festival brought South American flair to the North Shore Bandshell on April 5-6, 2013. I can’t say that the Rhythm Foundation outdid itself this year, but they did a pretty damn good job.

Bajofondo

The first night featured Bajofondo, with musicians from Argentina and Uruguay serving up a lush mix of upbeat tango and downtempo grooves. They have a boundless energy that’s infectious. The band is helmed by the Oscar-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla (Brokeback Mountain, Babel) on lead vocals and guitar. He’s backed by a solid group of musicians, including standouts Javier Casalla on the violin and Martín Ferrés on the bandoneón (that small accordion-looking thing).

The Hongs

If an opening band can catch my attention while I’m settling into my first gin and tonic, then they must be good. Enter The Hongs: a Miami-based band that fuses dance-pop, rock, and a little bit of new wave. I’d never seen them before, so they were a pleasant surprise. I’ll definitely have to check out a gig in the future.

Zuzuka Poderosa

The second night of music simply featured some bad-ass chicks. First up was Zuzuka Poderosa. Originally from Brazil, this performer brought her brand of “Carioca bass” from Rio de Janeiro by way of Brooklyn. “We are all international music babies!” she repeated to the crowd. You’d think  Miami would be all about the booty shakin’, but it took a while for the crowd to get into it. Few had the gumption to “scrub the ground” as she instructed. Nonetheless, Zuzuka was the perfect spark as an opening act.

Bomba Estéreo

The festival ended with Colombian group Bomba Estéreo, who completely shut the place down. Their mix of cumbia, hip hop, and electronica had everyone on their feet. Lead singer Liliana Saumet is a force, and drummer Enrique “Kike” Egurrola played drums so hard, I seriously thought my face would melt.

I can’t wait to see what the Rhythm Foundation has up its sleeve for next year.