 Bombasta’s Roberto Livar. Courtesy photo. |
For the second consecutive year, activist Latino-funk ensemble Bombasta will supply the polyrhythms at SA’s annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice. The Saturday, March 31 march, which celebrates the 80th birthday of the late, pioneering labor leader, will end at the Alamo, and Bombasta is scheduled to perform there at approximately 1:45 p.m.
The Chavez celebration will continue that evening when Bombasta hosts “A Night of New Latino Rebel Music” at Luna Fine Music Club (6740 San Pedro). In addition to playing their own music, the band will back up Azul, Jai Lopez, and flamenco guitar duo Border Palace. In addition, DJ Vero will fill any breaks in the action with a selection of contemporary Latin alternative music. Showtime is 9 pm., and the cover charge is $6
Spalding, graybeard
The Ventures, the great ‘60s surf-guitar band, were always defined by a sound (a clean, bright attack with strategic use of tremelo) more than an image or a particular lineup. So even though guitarist Bob Spalding is not an original Venture (he joined in 1981, filling in for an ailing Nokie Edwards), his credentials were long ago established by his ability to replicate those classic “Walk Don’t Run” licks with time-warp authenticity. Known to his bandmates as “the Fifth Venture,” Spalding has alternately handled guitar and bass duties and has also carried his affection for the instrumental rock of that era into a solo career.
Spalding has lived in Austin off-and-on for more than 40 years, and he spent much of the ’60s playing with his brother in the Austin band The Nomads. He’ll bring his virtuosity to Sam’s Burger Joint (330 E. Grayson) on Friday, March 30, for a show that will also include 3 Balls of Fire and Pollo Del Mar. Showtime is 9 p.m., and the cover charge is $6.
— Gilbert Garcia
