Los Pinguos
They came to the US from
cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a mixture of Latin
rhythms, performed with Spanish guitars, a Cuban Tres, Peruvian
cajón (box-drum) and harmonizing vocals. Vivacious and
infectious, the sound of Los Pinguos has claimed fans worldwide,
from their hometown to the streets of Los Angeles.
The story began in 1999 when Adrián Buono, José Agote, Juan
Manzur and Juan Manuel Leguizamón formed the band to play in
clubs, bars, and private parties throughout Buenos Aires. Their
exciting, passionate live shows garnered a devoted fan base,
inspiring the talented ensemble to pursue global attention.
So they packed their bags and headed north to the Californian
shores. Newly arrived to the City of Angels in early 2001, Los
Pinguos began playing at local bars such as The Latin Lounge,
The Knitting Factory, Key Club, Temple Bar & Little Temple. As
their popularity grew, they were invited to perform at the
end-of-season party for the hit FOX show “Dharma & Greg”.
It was when they started to perform for the crowds at Santa
Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade (a Los Angeles shopping/restaurant
hot spot) that the band realized their potential to reach a wide
and diverse audience.
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While performing, they were
spotted by a talent scout who urged them to audition for a new
television show, “The Next Big Star”, hosted and produced by Ed
McMahon of “Star Search” fame. In spite of fierce competition
from more seasoned groups, and being the only Latin band to
perform, Los Pinguos won the audience vote and rightly claimed
the Grand Prize.
Since then, they have signed
a publishing deal with Latin music heavyweight Peermusic (Juanes,
David Foster), recorded three new albums –"Camino Bueno" (2002),
"Serenata" (2003) & “Live In Los Angeles” (2005) a live double
CD on Kufala Records, and played with such acts as Ozomatli,
Yerba Buena, Charlie Zaa & Pablo Montero at the Wiltern Theatre,
Paul Anka & Plácido Domingo at the Music Center of Los Angeles,
Charly Garcia and famed Argentinean rockers Bersuit Vergarabat.
Most recently they appeared at the 2005 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
with female songstress Suzanne Vega. Los Pinguos’ music has
appeared in TV shows such as "The Shield", "The L Word", and is
featured in the Antonio Banderas & Emma Thompson film "Imagining
Argentina". For Adrián, José, Juan & Juan Manuel, this is only
the beginning.
Los
Pinguos Links:
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