If you couldn’t tell from Appalatin’s name, they are a multifaceted band that combines the classic influences of native Latin music with homegrown Appalachian folk.
The band’s performances are entirely acoustic and made up of original and traditional songs, from the varied backgrounds of the group’s members, who hail from Kentucky, Guatelmala, Ecuador, and Nicaragua. The arrangement are a traditional instruments from their many represented cultures, guitar, mandolin, banjo, violin, upright bass, and charango, indigenous Andean flutes, hand percussion, harmonica and vocal harmonies.
The band has released two studio albums, their self-titled debut album, and the 2013 follow-up called “Waterside.”
“Waterside was a watershed album for the group as they displayed bilingual shifts between lyrics, styles, and rhythms. From the Americana-derived title track "Down by the Waterside" and “Danville Breakdown”, to upbeat Latin tinged “La Linea”, to the Andean traditional song “Alpa Mayo,” and band member Fernando Moya’s Quechua contribution, “Ñuka Shungo.” Appalatin’s music is indescribably catchy and danceable, with multicultural bounce to it that makes it feel so much more relevant in this day and age.
Currently the band is expanding outside of the local market, playing regional shows and festivals, with eye on recording their third album.
They will be playing this weekend, Sunday May 17th at Lucille Grant Park (1001 E. Liberty Street). It’s a fundraiser for the park, in hopes of building a new playset for children 2-5 years old. There will be free parking, bring a blanket and a pic-nic. If you don’t bring food with you Big E’s barbecue will be on hand selling their local brand of slow delicious-ness. They asking for a $10 per person donation, or $25 per family for the performance.
If you can't attend but want to make a donation to the Park, you can send a check to Phoenix Hill Neighborhood Association, 451 Baxter Ave., Louisville, KY 40204 - designate "Lucille Grant Park" in memo line.
(Promo picture by Bill Ivester, provided by Appalatin)
