Bombasta
By:  Michael Valdes

   They are the wall of sound that seems to always attract a sea of dancers.  They are Bombasta.
  "We are fortunate being here from San Antonio to have such a wide range of influences," says San Antonio-native and Bombasta frontman Roberto Livar.  "We are not trying to chase a certain sound or trying to emulate anything."
  For the past ten years, the ten-piece band has been fusing together a blend of latin, soul, cumbia and funk.  Singing in English, Spanish and, our South Texas original, Spanglish.  Along with using everything else, they say, reflects San Antonio.
  "I grew up listening to tropicals and cumbias and big bands from my grandparents," says Livar.  "But also, Stevie Wonder and the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix from my mother.  Then my father with Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and all of that as well."
  The result is much more than a sound.  It's an event and that is a bit by design.  For years, the band made an effort not to play too many shows in their hometown.  Livar says, "We want to open ourselves up to different audiences who want to open themselves up to something a little different and a lot of fun."
  Although, Livar admits, that is a plan that has become harder to stick to in recent years.  "Sometimes we just can't say no.  A lot of great chances come up and great chances to play with great musicians that we admire as well and support."
  Now they are just enjoying the good times that come with bringing together this barrio big band sound.    And partying with a loyal group of fans who always seem more than ready to hit the dance floor.  "Everybody in the band are just great musicians and easy people to work with," Livar says.  "That's the only way we are able to do it, because otherwise it can be difficult. The live experience is really what does it for us.  As long as we are playing for an appreciative audience then that in itself is success.  Everything else is gravy."
  Bombasta is headlining the Calavera Fest at Sam's Burger Joint, Friday, October 26th.
Bombasta