For 25 years Grupo Fantasma has been representing the vibrant rhythms of Latin America, infusing their sets with everything from cumbia and salsa to funk, rock, and psychedelic soul and they are in the process of recording their 8th album. In the meantime, the seasoned touring band is set to bring their energy center stage at NOLA Jazz Fest with two performances on Thursday, April 24…
- Congo Square Stage: 2:40 PM – 3:35 PM
- Expedia Cultural Exchange Stage: 4:55 PM – 6:00 PM
With accolades of backing artists like Prince and GZA, and earning a GRAMMY for their self-produced album El Existential, this show will be a MUST SEE event!
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GRAMMY AWARD WINNING GRUPO FANTASMA SET TO IGNITE THE STAGE AT
2025 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL!
(Austin, TX) Celebrating 25 years of groundbreaking music, the GRAMMY-winning Latin funk powerhouse Grupo Fantasma is set to bring their electrifying live show to the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Known for their seamless fusion of Latin, funk, and psychedelic sounds, the Austin-based collective will perform two sets during the first week of the festival on April 24th, offering festivalgoers an unforgettable experience:
Thursday, April 24th, 2025
- 2:40 PM – 3:35 PM @ Congo Square Stage [more info]
- 4:55 PM – 6:00 PM @ Expedia Cultural Exchange Stage [more info]
Renowned for their high-energy performances and innovative musicianship, Grupo Fantasma has captivated audiences across the globe, from the Austin City Limits Festival to the North Sea Jazz Festival, Bonnaroo, and The Kennedy Center. Their explosive live shows have earned praise from NPR, which declared them “seamless whenever and wherever they’re on stage.”
Grupo Fantasma, who won a GRAMMY for their self-produced album El Existential (2011), has consistently pushed the boundaries of Latin music. Over the years, they have collaborated with legends such as Prince, Sheila E., GZA, and Los Lobos, further cementing their reputation as one of the most unique musical voices of the 21st century.
As Grupo Fantasma celebrates their 25th anniversary, they are gearing up to release their highly anticipated eighth studio album in 2025. Produced by Adrian Quesada (co-founder and former guitarist of the band, now part of Black Pumas), the upcoming album is set to deliver the band’s signature blend of vibrant rhythms, infectious grooves, and bold new sonic explorations.
“After all these years, we still feel like we can deliver a potent record and showcase new music as only a band that’s been together for 25 years can,” states guitarist and co-founder Beto Martinez.
The nine-piece collective consists of Jose Galeano (timbales, vocals), Kino Esparza (vocals, hand percussion), Beto Martinez (guitar), Greg Gonzalez (bass), John Speice (drums), Matthew “Sweet Lou” Holmes (congas), Gilbert Elorreaga (trumpet), Dan Bechdolt (tenor saxophone) and Mark “Speedy” Gonzales (trombone).
With their legacy of innovation and a reputation for electrifying performances, Grupo Fantasma’s return to Jazz Fest 2025 is not to be missed. Festivalgoers can expect an exhilarating mix of old favorites and a sneak peek at new material from their forthcoming album.
For more information on Grupo Fantasma, visit www.grupofantasma.com or follow them on social media for the latest updates.
