Ogunquit Performing Arts presents Andy Happel and his Los Galactacos String Band

OGUNQUIT, Maine — Ogunquit Performing Arts presents the second concert of its 2023 spring and fall music series, with Andy Happel and his Los Galactacos String Band, at the Dunaway Center, 23 School St., in Ogunquit, on Saturday, May 20.

The program titled "A Tour of the Americas" will take place at 7:30 p.m.

Galactacos, the Spanish word for “galactic,” a loose translation for superstar or a boast of ability levels that are “out of this world,” would provide an apt descriptor of the band’s new program: a tour de force of authentic, inspired musicianship, featuring the blazing fiddle work of violinist Andy Happel, dobro guitar and twin fiddle by Jonathan Cooper, bassist Drew Wyman and percussionist Sean Daniels.

Happel, a well-known and favorite musician of Ogunquit and visitor audiences, will be performing a lively repertoire of songs, as Los Galactacos brings together an exotic combination of voice, guitar, violin, cello, dobro, cuatro, upright bass, acoustic bass, guitarron, drums and percussion.

Songs from Canada to Cuba, Appalachia to Argentina, Tennessee to Texas, and many more are showcased in this dazzling new concert exploring the many genres and worldly origins of American fiddling.

"A Tour of the Americas" includes a variety of beautiful tunes and rousing rhythms from across the Americas, and across the seas: Tex/Mex folk; Appalachian string music; Canadian maritimes fiddle tunes; the classic American songbook; ol’ time country; and music for wherever people gather and celebrate.

In a past performance for Ogunquit Performing Arts, the engaging personality of the band and the enticing nature of their music caused audience members to create an impromptu dance floor at the back of the hall.

Founded in summer 2015 on a lark to enjoy some late-summer soirees, the Los Galactacos musical excursion was quickly underway with multi-instrumentalist Andy Happel as navigator. A true translator and ambassador of musical ideas, Happel has infused his music with elegant fire – ranging from Capitol Records’ Thanks to Gravity and modern classical label PARMA, to his work with the Don Campbell Band, and his ever-expanding teaching studio.

Already in their adventure, the group has entertained at the Wentworth By The Sea Hotel (Newcastle, N.H.), Wentworth Marina, The Wentworth (Jackson, N.H.), two seasons residency at El Rayo in Scarborough, Maine, as well as at a number of private events.

Andy Happel is a concert violinist and fiddler who has shared the stage with symphonies, pop stars and country music luminaries alike. As bandleader for 90s rock group Thanks to Gravity, Happel was signed to Capitol Records and EMI Publishing and toured extensively with the likes of Guster, Train, Matchbox 20 and the Dave Matthews Band. A successful run with country singer Don Campbell followed, where he opened for country legends Willie Nelson, Randy Travis, George Jones and Charlie Daniels. He currently performs with classical improv group Aeterna Trio, and several other independent projects. Happel has performed for several years at OPA’s Capriccio Festival of Kites in September at Ogunquit Beach.

Happel is also lead producer with new classical music label PARMA Recordings.  He has worked with the Moravian Philharmonic in the Czech Republic, the Metropolitan Opera Children’s Chorus and the New England String Quartet, among others, and performed O’Connor’s The Fiddle Concerto as guest soloist with the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra.

Free Parking for concert goers is available behind the Dunaway Center.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $5 for students, and may be purchased at the Dunaway Center, Cricket’s Corner Beach and Toy, and Ogunquit Welcome Center until 24 hours prior to the concert, or online at www.ogunquitperformingarts.org.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Ogunquit Performing Arts presents Andy Happel