Umoja's Dance Party @ The Atlantic

Photo taken from umojaorchestra.com

Umoja Orchestra, a Gainesville band known for its melding of afrobeat, jazz, funk and South American styles, will play at The Atlantic tonight (3/26) with special guests Milq. Umoja Orchestra has caught the attention of many locals with its danceable beats, offering up songs that are markedly different from those of most other bands out there right now.

With instruments ranging from the keyboard to bongos to the trombone, their live show is an eclectic mixture of funky grooves that will hold the audience’s attention from the opening chords to the encore. “It’s a good opportunity to come out, have fun and listen to a good mix of music,” says Umoja Orchestra singer Sebastián López.

Tonight the band will play a new song that no one has ever heard before, as well as a smattering of old favorites. “It’s a good atmosphere at the Atlantic,” he says. “It’s going to be a fun show with a lot of people out there dancing.”

The show, which is part of the Atlantic’s “House Party Fridays” concert series, starts at 10 pm, with tickets costing between $5 and $7. The show is open to anyone aged 18 or older with a valid ID.

- Morgan Watkins