Euforquestra is a cutting-edge, worldbeat ensemble from Iowa City, IA, with influence spanning a wide array of traditional music and culture from all over the globe. Educated in Cuba, the band has made a mission statement out of preserving cultural traditions, indiscriminately attempting anything at least once and fusing many worldly styles. The self-proclaimed "Afro-Caribbean-Barnyard-Funk" brings an explosive sound, moving crowds all over the nation, while touching on such genres as Afrobeat, Afro-Cuban, Samba, Soca, Funk, Reggae, Salsa, Calypso, and Bluegrass. As percussionist and lead vocalist, Matt Grundstad, puts it, "Euforquestra just wants to make people dance." Although the band is most commonly grouped among the jamband community, Euforquestra's music appeals to anyone and everyone with an "inclusive 'everyone get in here' sense of humor" (Jim Musser - renowned Iowa City music critic).
Despite the relatively young 4-year existence of Euforquestra, their music is on the radio in many states across the country. They have performed everywhere from Ohio to Washington and at festivals such as moe. Summer Camp, Spookstock (Schwagstock), Bockman's Campout, Wakarusa, Mountain Fair ( Carbondale, CO), Sweet Pea Fest (Bozeman, MT), and Nedfest (Nederland, CO). Recently, "Ochun," a song from Euforquestra's latest album, Explorations In Afrobeat, was selected to be a part of Global Rhythm Magazine's compilation disc.
What makes Euforquestra special is that they always bring something new and unique to the stage as new projects drive the band into further musical studies. As in Explorations In Afrobeat, Euforquestra fuses western African and Cuban musics rooted in Yoruba tradition. Having had two members study in Cuba, the band dives deep into a rich tradition of Cuban rhythm and song evolved from the Yoruba tribe which was brought to Cuba, as well as other countries, years ago during the slave trade. Here Euforquestra connects essentially two branches from the same tree.
The band's recent success has spawned the company Euforquestra Productions, specializing in booking, publicity, and design, in an effort to strengthen the regional music community and to give up-and-coming bands more opportunities to perform. Euforquestra Productions is also the main organizer and producer of Camp Euforia, an annual weekend celebration of music and culture located just outside of Iowa City, at which 2007 saw nearly 1500 of the area's fans and musicians gathered to enjoy more than 20 top regional and local acts.
Check out Euforquestra; you'll hear something new, you'll dance, and you'll be sure to have a good time.
Euforquestra is Mike Tallman (Guitar/Mandolin/Vocals), Eric Quiner (Keys/Vocals), Adam Grosso (Bass/Steelpan/Vibes/Vocals), Josten Foley (Drums/Vocals), Matt Grundstad (Percussion/Vocals), Ryan Jeter (Tenor Saxophone/Vocals), and Austin Zaletel (Alto Saxophone/Vocals).
