Squeezebox Bandits will be playing at Irving Heritage Park on Friday April 7 @ 7 pm. The event is free.
Squeezebox Bandits sound a whole lot like Texas. Their mix of Tejano and Country Music is a true reflection of their local upbringing. The co-frontmen of the group, Abel and Vincent, met as teenagers while playing a benefit concert at a jail in Fort Worth. The two grew up in the predominantly Hispanic North Side under the influence of a tapestry of cross-cultural music. Both men recall hearing radios blast everything from Tejano heavyweight Ramon Ayala to Nashville country star Dwight Yoakam.
"Tex-Mex music is influenced by traditional Mexican and American music, just like the food," according to Casillas. "It’s kind of like Spanglish. Tex-Mex and Tejano [music] are just about the same thing." The band's audience draws a wide and varied crowd, catering to Anglo, Mexican and Latin American music lovers.
Squeezebox Bandits of Fort Worth, have been bringing old honky-tonk music back and giving it a twist for over 5 years now. The band is led by front man Abel Casillas (vocals and accordion) and includes Geoff West (guitar), Austin Gardea (bass) and Matt Calderon (drums). Released on Cinco de Mayo this year, their third album "Check to Check" reflects that honky-tonk sound with a Tex-Mex flavor. All three of Squeezebox Bandits' albums are available now on all music streaming platforms.
