Formed in the summer of 2007,Ā ElectricĀ PiqueteĀ is a two-timeĀ Miami New TimesĀ Best of MiamiĀ āBest Latin Bandā award-winning Latin funk outfit. First named so inĀ 2009, they were again crowned as such inĀ 2015. The band has played virtually all major events in South Florida, including theĀ Miami Music Festival,Ā Calle Ocho,Ā Carnaval on the Mile, theĀ Ball & Chain Music Festival, andĀ Arts in the Park. Few major venues haveĀ notĀ seen them grace their stage. In 2016, the band graduated to the major festival circuit, travelling to NC to play theĀ GrassRoots Festival of Music Arts & Dance, followed by appearances at theĀ Orange Blossom FestivalĀ in 2018 and 2022. They made theirĀ Afro Roots FestĀ debut in Key West during 2019, and performed again in Islamorada during 2021.
Their influences are as diverse as the Miami region that birthed them, ranging from rock to jazz spiced with everything in between: funk, Afro-Caribbean, progressive and R&B. Though mostly instrumental, the band does feature vocals and rapping on several numbers; a tight rhythm section and heavy percussion supports melodious horn play. Their repertoire consists of mostly original compositions, but they are well-versed in Latin and jazz standards, borrowing from a range of artists, from Herbie to Mongo.
The band is currently in the studio recording originals and covers for a full-length release in 2022 and just in time to celebrate their 17th anniversary.