From driving rhythms and soaring melodies to brooding synths and dreamy vocal breaks, Mariachi Ghost fuses traditional Mexican song, progressive rock and a flair for the dramatic, to ignite the world of their namesake’s tenuous existence. The band was formed in 2009, based on a graphic novel by lead-singer Jorge Requena. In it, the principal character, Charro, struggles to find purpose in a life that has been torn apart by violence and hardship. He eventually turns his anguish outwards, believing to have been ordained by a higher power to punish those that prey on the weak.

From the graphic novel sprang the captivating music and performance of Mariachi Ghost. Seven musicians interweave diverse genres and rhythms to create a soundscape that is dramatic, haunting, and explosive. They’re joined on stage by dancer and band-mate Alexandra Garrido, who acts as a conduit of the music, expertly assuming its auras of sorrow, reflection and rage. The result is a rich mixture somewhere between Pink Floyd and a traditional serenata, infused with contemporary dance; a ballet for the dead.

In addition to performances at Prismatic, we invite everyone to join Mariachi Ghost for a special workshop on Saturday, August 22 at 1pm