STERN GROVE FESTIVAL SHOWCASES LATIN ELECTRONICA WITH ARGENTINEAN-URUGUAYAN GROUP BAJOFONDO AND NEW YORK SENSATION SI*SÉ

SAN FRANCISCO, June 26, 2008 — Electro-tango collective Bajofondo, and New York Latin electronica sensation Si*Sé perform at Stern Grove Festival in an admission-free concert on Sunday, August 3rd at 2:00 p.m. Bajofondo is known world-wide for their exciting fusion of electronica with the drama and passion of tango music. Si*Sé, a New York club sensation, will bring their mix of Latin flavors with down-tempo beats, drum ‘n’ bass, and club grooves. The concert will feature new music from Bajofondo’s latest album, Mar Dulce, scheduled for release on July 15th. The show will take place at Sigmund Stern Grove, located at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard in San Francisco. A pre-concert Troc Talk with Bajofondo will take place before the concert in Stern Grove’s Trocadero Clubhouse.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Bajofondo

Bajofondo (formerly Bajofondo Tango Club) is a collective of seven Argentine and Uruguayan artists who fuse diverse electronic genres (trance, trip hop, house, dub, and drum ‘n’ bass) with the dramatic sounds of tango. Bajofondo was originally conceived by Gustavo Santaolalla, an Academy Award-winning producer best known for his work on the soundtracks of Brokeback Mountain and Babel, and as a producer for the Kronos Quartet’s Nuevo.

Bajofondo debuted in Buenos Aires in December of 2003 and their first album, Bajofondo Tangoclub, went triple platinum in Argentina, selling over 600,000 copies worldwide. The album also garnered the prestigious Premio Gardel award as the “Best Electronica Music Album” and a Latin Grammy for “Best Instrumental Pop Album.” In 2005, the band released Bajofondo Remixed, a compilation of remixes of songs from previous albums by European, Uruguayan, and Argentine DJ’s. Bajofondo has performed at some of the biggest world and electronic music festivals, such as Roskilde in Denmark and WOMAD in England. Their latest album, Mar Dulce, was recorded in real time, requiring an entire string section.

Si*Se

Formed in 2000 by singer Carol C and programmer and DJ Cliff Cristofaro (U.F.Low), Si*Sé performs a danceable blend of hip-hop, Latin rhythms, and down-tempo electronica. Carol C’s soulful and smooth voice delivers Spanish and English lyrics against the minimalist beats provided by U.F.Low, and backed by viola players, Tarrah Reynolds and Olivia Martinez, percussionist Neil Ochoa, bassist Morgan Phillips, and drummer Ryan Farley. Si*Sé formed when a mutual friend, Hector Batista, introduced Carol C to fellow underground artist, and Flatbush, Brooklyn-born U.F.Low. Shortly after, they recorded a five-track demo in one day. Michael Mangini, a Grammy-award winning producer who has worked with Digable Planets, The Corrs, and Run DMC, co-produced Si*Sé’s well-received self-titled debut album. Si*Sé ’s music has been featured on Sex and the City, One Tree Hill, Six Feet Under, Road Rules, and Project Runway.  The group has played with David Byrne, Cesaria Evora, James Brown, Norah Jones, and Kratwerk. Si*Sé’s second album, More Shine, was released in 2005.

ABOUT STERN GROVE FESTIVAL

Stern Grove Festival’s 71st Season of 10 admission-free concerts runs every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. from June 15 through August 17, 2008 at Sigmund Stern Grove in San Francisco. Stern Grove Festival also provides outreach programs at each concert this season and on some weekdays at Stern Grove.

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and the concert meadow may be closed when capacity is reached. There is no public parking at Stern Grove and Festival patrons are encouraged to use public transportation to Stern Grove. MUNI metro lines K and M and MUNI bus lines 23 and 28 provide service to Stern Grove. A free bike valet service is provided at the 19th and Sloat entrance to the park. Free shuttle service from the entrance at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard into the Grove is provided to seniors and disabled patrons.

Stern Grove Festival’s 71st Season is made possible with support from Season Sponsor Parkmerced. Additional support provided by Grants for the Arts/San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund, National Endowment for the Arts, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and media sponsor KPIX - CBS 5, KBCW - The CW 44 Cable 12, and SF Weekly. Radio Sponsor is KPFA 94.1 FM.

PHOTO EDITORS, PLEASE NOTE: Photos are available to the media. Please call Monica Ware at (415) 252-6253 or send an e-mail to mware@sterngrove.org.