Euforquestra
Eufórquestra (pronounced: yoo • FOHR • keh • struh) is an American band that plays a fusion of funk and Afro-Caribbean music. Originally from Iowa City, IA, Eufórquestra relocated to Fort Collins, CO in August 2008.
The band is known for progressive, genre-crossing funk fusions and a relentless tour schedule. Eufórquestra is quickly spreading its self-proclaimed “Afro-Caribbean-Barnyard-Funk;” a unique, rhythmic blend of sound, integrating such genres as Afrobeat, Reggae, Afro-Cuban, Samba, Soca, Funk, Salsa, and Dub. Eufórquestra’s music is igniting dance floors across the country, with a sound that “explodes, dances and melts in your ear with sheer bliss” (Chris M. Slawecki; AllAboutJazz.com). As percussionist and lead vocalist Matt Grundstad puts it, "we just want to make people dance.”
In October 2009, the band released their third studio album, Soup, a collection of 11 tracks that captures the band at new heights in terms of songwriting, energy and production. In an effort to spread the album far and wide as an independent artist, the band decided to give the album away for free online at www.euforquestra.com.
With three full-length albums to their name and a relentless tour schedule (over 100 shows per year), Eufórquestra has created a presence on the national scene, performing all over the U.S. at clubs, concert halls, community events, and festivals, such as Wakarusa, Summer Camp, 80/35 (Des Moines, IA), Sweet Pea Festival (Bozeman, MT), NedFest (Nederland, CO), Montana Beer Festival (Bozeman, MT) and Iowa City Jazz Festival. In addition, Eufórquestra hosts their own festival, Camp Euforia, every year in July, just outside Iowa City, in Lone Tree, IA.
Eufórquestra is: Mike Tallman (Guitar/Mandolin/Vocals) Otis Lande (Bass) Matt Wright (Keys) Jeff Peterson (Drums) Matt Grundstad (Percussion/Vocals) Ryan Jeter (Tenor Saxophone/Vocals) Austin Zaletel (Alto Saxophone/Vocals)