KCRW DJ Jeremy Sole is in Cali, Colombia with Quantic (aka Will Holland) as the Brighton bred music producer prepares to compete in the music competition called the Petronio Alvarez competition. Here is his latest update:
Day one in Cali, Colombia con my man Will ‘Quantic’, his lovely wife Ariana and the Combo. Just a quick note to pass along a few photos of Will’s place.
El Combo Barbaro had their first rehearsal last night. Thursday at 9pm they perform, or COMPETE rather, in the annual Petronio Alvarez Colombian music competition. People from all over Colombia travel for days, often by boat, to compete for 15 minutes. There’s a category for more tradition folkloric styles, a few other regional sections, and then the “other” category, which Quantic & His Combo Barbaro are entering, along with some local favorites like ChocQuibTown.
I’ll write back again, but tomorrow the festival starts, so after soundcheck and a few empty bottles of viche (a Colombian favorite not unlike Aguardiente), anything can happen.