Photos by ISA TRAVERSO-BURGER
Distrikt was invited to Langerado Festival on its fourth annual event that took place in Markham Park in Fort Lauderdale. In my opinion, the only bands missing were Bright Eyes, Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews and Long Beach Dub All-Stars but considering their amazing line-up, it was so much worth going. Big names such as Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Black Crowes, Flaming Lips, Wilco, The Meters, Robert Randolph, Brazilian Girls, Burning Spear, Keller Williams, Boxelder, Kinky, G-Love & Special Sauce, Amigos Invisibles, Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, MOFRO, Slightly Stoopid, Brothers Past, Steel Train and Disco Biscuits jammed their instruments off during the 2 day hippie affair –I can’t emphasize enough that I’ve never seen so many herb-loving, tree-huggers together; maybe at a Widespread Panic concert-.
Thousands of people were dancing liberally and blissfully under the awesome weather as the stages exposed the brilliant talent of the musicians. There was a feeling of freedom all over the place and the mix of different rhythms provided me with an unforgettable occasion that I hope to repeat next year. Here’s a brief on some of the bands:
Brothers Past is a band from Philadelphia. They say their music can be compared to Pink Floyd, The Cure, and Radio Head but with a dash of electronica and catchy pop songs. In the future they hope to be playing in Madison Square Garden but if not, they are pleased to travel and jam all over the country.
What would they ask humanity to do? To chill out, read a good book and help the less fortunate.
Slightly Stoopid is a group of attractive guys from San Diego. 15 years ago they were listening to Motley Crew, Led Zeppelin, Guns & Roses, a lot of reggae and 80’s music. The Mexican band member, Kyle, confesses he was listening to Mariachis, of course. Ten years from now they hope to be doing the same thing; the stage is their home. Their live show is really uplifting and inspiring; they mix reggae with funk, rock, punk, blues, dub, and a lot of vibe. They got it going on!
What would they ask humanity to do? Walk around with a smile, respect, listen to their hearts and pray.
Los Amigos Invisibles are everything but invisible, they put a show full of funky beats, sensual lyrics and awe-inspiring percussion. They are originally from Caracas, Venezuela but have called New York their home for the past 4 years. More than a decade ago these musicians were into Red Hot Chili Peppers, acid jazz, The Police, The Cure, Jamiroquai and really, every song their families exposed them to.
They were fans of Soda Stereo, Café Tacuba, and the popular sounds of Fania All Stars.
Jose Luis, the virtuoso guitarist also known as DJ Afro, would love to move to Playa del Carmen in Mexico, where he plays a gig every 2 months. What would they ask humanity to do? To use condoms, to be tolerant, to change the software inside their brain and to respect.
One thing is certain about all these musicians, they are ecstatic about what they do, their love for harmony and music, and they want to be on a stage again and again, playing live, watching people dance to their beats, exhilarating the scene, stimulating the brain and clearly having a great time sharing the concept of ‘one love’.
