Después del Lunes!

Erik Barragán y su Orquesta.
Foto: Kari Pepper.

So, last Monday I hosted and ran the Lunes de Locura event at Lovecraft in the East Village. My thought was to put on a quick but boozy Monday show where people could laugh and dance. And, I'm happy to say, mission accomplished. The event featured two very funny ladies, who had the crowd in stitches, Christina Galston and Chrissie Mayr. And of course, on the music front, the enigmatic Axel Itto and the debut of my band: Erik Barragán y su Orquesta.

Comedian Christina Galston started the night. She reminded me of Rosie Perez -very funny. Follow her on Twitter.

Christina Galston.
Foto: Kari Pepper.

Next, Axel Itto stormed the stage delivering a set that was both explosive and subtle. I don't know how he did it, but it was intimate and bombastic all at once. His drumming was especially on point that night -always driving forward. Fantastic set. Listen to him on SoundCloud.

Axel Itto.
Foto: Kari Pepper.

Then Chrissie Mayr took the mic, and her material was hilariously raunchy. I witnessed some of the audience blush. She works a lot and has been featured in numerous podcasts and on the show This Weekend on Laughs on Fox 5. Follow her on Twitter.

Chrissie Mayr
Foto: Kari Pepper.

And then it was time for Erik Barragán y su Orquesta.

From left to right: Anna Garcia, Erik Barragán, Sarah Blackburn.
Foto: Kari Pepper.

What can I say about the the talented musicians playing with me? They were on point. Anna Garcia on trumpet, her solos were delicious. Sarah Blackburn's beautiful voice adorning the song's melodies, it was gold.

We did a mix of my originals and covers; at one point my brother grabbed one of his friends and danced to our rendition of Llorars de Oscar de León. 

Foto: Kari Pepper.

I will keep you posted for our next show. In the mean time go check out my SoundCloud. 

Ciao,

Erik Barragán

Lunes de Locura (Un Experimento)

Lunes de Locura is an eclectic, hilarious program that mixes comedy, world music and an easy, boozy vibe. Don't bring the kids. I wanted to vary the band-after-band-after-band format, and since I love comedy, I thought it'd be a good match. So this is definitely an experiment. 

Ideally, you'll come, have a drink, laugh, dance, laugh and dance some more, and then be on your way by 9:30. Fun filled, dance fueled, work-conscious New York City night.

It's happening at Lovecraft located at 50 Ave. B in the East Village. Doors open at 6:26 and show starts at 7:06. 

I've chosen Lunes de Locura to debut mi Orquesta and my new compositions and re-imaginings. Also, I've surrounded myself with some of the best acts New York City can offer. My brother Axel Itto is doing an acoustic set, and  two very talented comedians Chrissie Mayr (follow her on Twitter) and Christina Galston (her too) are going to provide the much needed relief from your godforsaken Monday. 

See you there!

Ciao,

Erik Barragán

Pirata, Axel Itto's New Single, is out!

My brother Axel has just released his new single titled Pirata (Pirate). It's a mix of Andean music and cumbia. The instrument playing the intro is called a charango, and that particular charango is from Bolivia. Have a listen and enjoy!

Ciao,
Erik Barragán

Axel Itto at Botanic Lab

It was a hot and sweaty time at Botanic Lab on Wednesday night, where Axel Itto debuted his new single Pirata. As it is always with his gigs, the atmosphere was upbeat and the crowd electric and attractive. There was also two different business suit-wearing surprise birthday parties happening simultaneously, and I'm sure they hadn't seen Axel perform before.

The opening act was Caridad Rivera a belly/fire dancer who wowed us with her moves and scantily clad, shapely body.

Caridad Rivera

Then Axel Itto took the stage and it was our turn to dance, even the birthday party guests were scantily clad by the end. If you haven't seen him perform yet, go. His music is an amalgam of all his life experiences from Ecuador, to Scotland, to Venezuela, to the US, and all the tears and smiles in between -giving even his most danceable tune poignancy. Leave those demons on the dance floor.

Axel Itto. Foto Paige Graham.
Edit by me.

Ciao,

Erik Barragán

Axel Itto at Botanic Lab Tonight

My brother is playing at Botanic Lab tonight, located at 86 Orchard St.; his music is a blend of rock, salsa, andina, cumbia and other rhythms. Check him out!

Check out his single: La Polvora.

Ciao,

Erik Barragán