Los Tangueros de Oeste will bring the sounds of Argentina to Del Norte. | Photo courtesy of DNACA

By Stephanie La Torre, DNACA

Del Norte Association for Cultural Awareness (DNACA) continues its Performance Series with Los Tangueros del Oeste (the tango players of the west), on Thursday April 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m., at Crescent Elk Auditorium in Crescent City.

Founded by bassist/composer Sascha Jacobsen (last seen in Del Norte county with the band Barrio Manouche in February 2020), Los Tangueros play many traditional styles of tango. But it’s their skill at spicing up their arrangements with flamenco, hip-hop, and electronic music that makes them unique.

Hailing from an illustrious musical family dating back as least five generations to a bassist for the Moscow Opera, Jacobsen is a bassist who loves expanding on traditional tango forms. “This is our contribution to the evolution of the music. I think we are the only electro-tango band based in the U.S.”

Tango developed in Argentina at the beginning of the 20th century. The sound is a combination of music from European and African immigrants that came to Argentina, mixed with the influence of indigenous people and the folk songs of the gauchos (Argentine cowboys).

“There’s a strong feeling of nostalgia in the presentation of tango, and there’s a sensual energy in the music and the dance,” explains Jacobsen. “In Argentina, the lyrics, dance, music, and poetry are part of a complete art form.”

Los Tangueros came together four years ago. They honed their sound playing clubs, concert halls, and milongas—tango dance parties. Focusing on Jacobsen’s original compositions which are inspired by classic Tango forms, the group strives for a singular Nuevo Tango sound that is cool and impassioned, while being downright dance-inducing.

While Los Tangueros have created a unique and compelling sound for modern audiences, they also take inspiration from early tango recordings. “The idea is to create modern tangos,” Jacobsen explains. “Some of the great tango standards were written in the early 1900s, including ‘La Cumparsita,’ the most famous tango of all time. It includes the riff synonymous with tango for people who don’t know the music. It’s still played every night at the end of almost every milonga around the world.”

Jacobsen summarizes: “Tango is an all-encompassing lifestyle you can immerse yourself in.”

The Los Tangueros concert on April 21st will feature appearances from World Champion Tango dancers and songs from the group’s debut album, Alma Vieja, which showcase the band’s excellent musicianship and the adventurous arrangements they’ve created.

Tickets for the concert are available at Del Norte Office Supply in Crescent City and online at dnaca.eventbrite.com. Remaining tickets will be available at the door, which opens at 6:15 p.m. night of the concert. General tickets are $20, Senior (65+) are $18, and Students (K - full-time college) are $15.

DNACA would not be able to bring such outstanding performers to our community without the generous support of their underwriters, including: Patty Brunsing, Caldwell Clan Fund, Lisé Hamilton, Lucky 7 Casino, Bill and Kathy Maffett, Michael and Jennifer Schmidt, Nick and Lisa Rail Music Fund, Moore Heating and Air, Bob and Diane Weir, and Pacific Coast Mortgage Solutions. DNACA’s in-kind supporters are Bicoastal Media and Del Norte Office Supply. DNACA is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov. They are also supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

For more information, contact DNACA at 707-464-1336 or at office@dnaca.net, on Facebook @DNACACC, and at dnaca.net.

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