Los Lonely Boys set to bring their sound to Ribfest
Although their claim to fame came in 2003 with the release of their self-titled album, Los Lonely Boys are far from being lonely seven years later.
With more than 40 shows before November, the trio is busy traveling the country, constantly surrounded by thousands of enthusiastic fans. A new album also is in the works, keeping the brothers occupied when they're not jamming with a crowd.
Despite their schedule, the band, which won a Grammy in 2005 for its song "Heaven" and ended up going multiplatinum with the self-titled album, made sure Naperville's Ribfest was on its list of tour stops for another year.
"We've enjoyed performing at Ribfest before and we are very excited to be coming back," JoJo Garza, the middle brother and bass guitarist for the band, wrote in an e-mail interview with the Daily Herald.
The boys will fill the festival with their unique "Texican" sound Thursday, July 1, at 6:30 p.m. on the U.S. Cellular North Stage.
Musical influences, brotherhood and, of course, saucy ribs are just a few topics Garza shared his thoughts on.
Q. Is it tiring to tour so much?
A. It gets a little tiring, but it's never tiring enough to want to stop. Maybe to take a little break.
Q. Have you ever been to Naperville before, and what did you think about it?
A. We've enjoyed performing at Ribfest before and, yes, we are very excited to be coming back.
Q. How do you like your ribs cooked?
A. About 5'5", blonde, oh ribs - just kidding. We like them cooked to the point they fall off the bone - and saucy!
Q. Where do you find inspiration for your music?
A. Inspiration comes from home, life, people. Basically, it comes from every corner of the world! We have our eyes and ears open, most importantly, our hearts! There's too much to talk about in this crazy life.
Q. What has it been like to grow as a musician with your two brothers?
A. It's been the best thing for us as familia and as co-workers. We are able to do things musically that most would have to work on to do on a normal basis. There's not a lot of questioning anymore, rather it's a lot more knowing.
Q. Is it difficult to be in a band with them sometimes?
A. No. We are able to work through any and every problem we encounter together. It actually makes it easier. I love my bros. God bless them.
Q. How has your life changed since winning a Grammy Award?
A. The only real changes I've noticed is that people seem to know us all over the place. Our time has become scarce due to constant work. Other than that, we pretty much have stayed the same. Always will.
Q. What is it like to work with Willie Nelson, and for him to have called you his favorite band?
A. To work with Willie was an absolute dream come true. It was actually our father's dream. We have been super blessed.
For him to say we were or are his favorite band is just jaw-dropping to me. There are so many great musicians out there; it makes us feel very special. Thanks, Willie.
Q. Who else do you like to tour or perform with and why?
A. We had the honor to jam with Carlos Santana. That was sick awesome! He's not only one of the greatest guitar legends to ever live, he's also one of the first Latino artists to really break things open for us and our people. Of course, we had Ritchie Valens, but he's right there.
Q. You are having a special free private acoustic performance for underprivileged kids at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 1, in Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College. Why did you decide to do this?
A: It was never our choice to put a price on good music. That damage was done before we were even here, but if it were up to me, music and or concerts would always be free. It's a way to show people that we want your time, your eyes and ears, not your money, and we want to give back as much as we can!
Q. Reports are that you have an album scheduled to be released toward the end of this year. If so, when can fans except to see the new album and what will they hear on it?
A. There is no actual release date as of yet, but we are working on a new record. Fans can expect one thing from this record: music you'll want to hear over and over again. You're gonna get Texican rock 'n' roll as usual, but it's got a sharper edge. It's gonna cut right through what people call music today. That's my take on it, hope fans feel the same!
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<li><a href="/story/?id=391077">Naperville Ribfest expands with more food, music and fun<span class="date">[06/30/10]</span></a></li>
<li><a href="/story/?id=390815">Area chefs cook up some competition for Naperville Ribfest <span class="date">[06/30/10]</span></a></li>
<li><a href="/story/?id=390830">Local band sparks national interest with reggae-rock feel<span class="date">[06/30/10]</span></a></li>
<li><a href="/story/?id=390817">Grammy winner Charlie Daniels set to open Naperville Ribfest<span class="date">[06/30/10]</span></a></li>
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