Sounds of the South will fill the field nestled in the hills of Appalachia as the well-known Tex-Mex indie-rock band Calexico takes the stage.
The group is performing at Nelsonville Music Festival as one of the first stops of its summer tour to promote its ninth album
Algiers. Calexico will be joining the Saturday night lineup, which includes soul singer Mavis Staples and headliner Wilco.
Although the band is based in Arizona and was formed in Los Angeles, percussionist and pianist John Convertino said he has newfound ties to the festival’s home state.
“We are excited to play in Ohio, we don't get to play there very often,” he said in an email. “I personally am even more excited because I have recently moved to Canton, Ohio, so my family will be able to come see the show and enjoy the festival.”
Calexico’s 2005 EP
In the Reins made it to the Billboard 200 charts and was recorded with the 2012 Nelsonville Music Festival veterans Iron and Wine.
Later tour dates for the group this summer include Bonnaroo and the Glastonbury Music Festival, both of which the band has performed at in the past.
The band just finished an EP that has a new version of the track “Maybe on Monday,” a demo version, and some cover songs, which will be coming out soon to sell at festivals.
“(Our music can be described as) post-punk rock eclecticism with a folk-blues underbelly,” Convertino said. “I think we try to put a little more 'roll' into the rock.”
Named for the town of Calexico, Cali., which lies on the border of the United States and Mexico, the band’s music also brings in Latin American influences with Southern country music, along with rock elements.
“I think the Southwestern influence on our music will put a few smiles on some faces,” said Convertino. “We love it when the audience enjoys the music enough to find the groove, that helps us out a lot. We like to have fun, and some of the songs are pretty loose for soloing and audience participation, so get ready.”
eb104010@ohiou.edu
If You Go:
What: Calexico
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Main Stage
Admission: $75 Day Pass, $120 Weekend Pass
