El Payo: More Than Flamenco
By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 18, 2011 6:45PM
El Payo is a local band that fuses elements of rock, ska, salsa and reggae over rumba rhythms and the flamenco guitar roots of guitarist David Chiriboga. Chiriboga's experimentation with adding modern elements to flamenco is an offshoot of his participation with the long-running nuevo flamenco group, Las Guitarras de Espana, where he's more than held his own with that band's leader, Carlo Basile.
Chiriboga and his bandmates in El Payo draw upon their diverse ethnic backgrounds to further color the music they make, making them a popular draw at venues throughout the city and opening for larger name acts like Lila Downs. tonight, El Payo plays a CD release party at Martyrs' as part of the Noches Americanas series from portoluz, the arts collective founded by HotHouse founder Marguerite Horberg after her split from that organization. El Payo shares a bill with ska/reggae band Los Vicios de Papa and the DJ collective (((Sonorama))), which spins primarily Brazilian sounds and cumbia.
El Payo with Los Vicios de Papa and (((Sonorama))), 9 p.m. at Martyrs' (3855 N. Lincoln Ave.). Tickets are $15 at the door, $10 in advance by clicking here.