The much anticipated summertime vibes in the windy city are slowly but surely gaining traction. Especially as the Salt Shed has already hosted some fantastic shows at their outdoor Fairgrounds stage including the phenomenal South American supergroup Astropical last week! Astropical is the supernova collaboration of Colombian band Bomba Estéreo and Venezuelan band Rawayana who have joined forces to embark on their headlining tour in support of their self-titled debut album. Astropical supplies a melting pot of music genres including African and tropical inspirations as well as an overlying electronic/dance tone that lands perfectly just in time for the Chicago heat. Their debut album features a track for every astrological sign including their breakout single “Me Pasa (Piscis)”. That unifying concept is more than enough to create and establish a deep universe for a debut album from two already influential artists!
Despite the windy conditions outdoors, Chicago’s immensely diverse Latin community showed up and out for Astropical ’s set which outshone the gloomy June evening. It was rather refreshing to attend a show at the Salt Shed for a Latin artist, something I hope to see more of in future! The crowd was chalked full of energy and non-stop dancing throughout the entire evening as the supergroup had a very vibrant edge; from their music to their outfits it was a purely euphoric night!
Fans instantly tuned in and went berserk as the group opened with “Brinca (Acuario)” followed by “Corazón Adentro (Escorpio).” My favorite thing about new artists and debut albums is getting the chance to hear the album live in its entirety which is exactly what Astropical delivered. In the heart of their set, the group treated the Salt Shed to a very faithful cover of the late singer and songwriter Selena’s “Como La Flor” which sent the crowd into an emotional frenzy (including myself!). Astropical also borrowed a song from Bomba Estéreo “Soy Yo” and then concluded their set with the very fitting song “Llegó El Verano (Sagitario)” which quite literally translates to “Summer has arrived,” a flawless conclusion to their magnificent set!
Astropical is definitely a powerhouse member of the Latin music community and with the already immense following they have accrued, I have zero doubts that they have what it takes to get on the level of their counterparts such as Bad Bunny and Karol G. Astropical brought Chicago’s beautiful Latin community together that reminds us just how incredible it is to live in a city that promotes unity and diversity as well as a safe haven for its people.
All photos by Andrew Lagunas.
