The Romani people are a fairly misunderstood culture, shrouded in myth, a semi-self-imposed isolationism, and secrecy. But you wouldnt know it listening to the Gipsy Kings. Theres nothing secret about those salsa rhythms bubbling over with rumba and funk, making bones rattle with pulsating dance vibrations.
If you dont know their international smash hit Bamboleo, which seems impossible unless you didnt step outside in the 80s and failed to hear radio throughout the early 90s, its possible youve heard them highlighted on an episode of HBOs Entourage. Better yet, theres also the disturbingly hilarious scene in The Big Lebowski when the Jesus a flamboyant, purple-clad bowler played by John Turturro thrusts his pelvis, tongues his bowling ball, and boogies from side to side in a celebratory shimmy after bowling a strike.
The song featured in both is the Gipsy Kings passionate rendition of Hotel California by the Eagles. Of course, if you havent seen The Big Lebowski, stop reading immediately and go update your Netflix queue. All set? Now get some Gipsy Kings tickets at Ticketmaster because this band will mysticize Hard Rock Live (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood) at 7 p.m. on Monday, February 28. Tickets cost $44 to $89.
Mon., Feb. 28, 7 p.m., 2011