FEBRUARY 11, SWEET TOOTH THEATER

The Franklin County Arts Guild sponsored another enjoyable evening of music, desserts, and fun, at its Sweet Tooth Theater in Cowan.  A six-piece Huntsville band, Mambo Gris Gris, with accordion, congas, and saxophone played music from New Orleans and old Mexico.  

This program was a huge success.  See below for additional information on the group.   

Mark Torstenson had wanted to put this band together for more than ten years so when brother Eric moved to Huntsville Mark built his dream band around Eric’s vocal, accordion, and keyboard talents.  Mark and Conga player, Jose Matienzo, have played together for years. Funky Curtis Barkley, an instructor at Mark’s Store (The Fret Shop) joined as bassist along with Huntsville drummer Mike Dendy.  Now what’s missing? HORNS.  Enter Steve Motz sax instructor at University of Alabama, Huntsville.  The band is complete.  For a name the group settled on Mambo (for the Latin dance style) and Gris Gris (for the New Orleans influence).  

Or as Jose puts it.  "Mambo Gris Gris plays certain songs from various artists that capture the essence of the Latino heritage mixed with American influence. Having the sounds of the accordion, flute, classic guitar, bass and congas gives it the Latin feel. You throw in a good, smooth saxophone from the jazzy side and a great drummer adding a little bit of rock & roll - you got yourself a great sounding band."