Amistad Gets Emotional At Webster Hall

I knew that Amistad meant “friendship” in Spanish, but what I didn’t know was why this band from Brooklyn called themselves that. Then I met them. These guys have a special bond that shine through their music. I arrived at Webster Hall early enough to see the place empty. By the time Amistad went on, the place was jam packed. For a band that has only been together for a few months, this melodic R&B-rock quartet show promise.

This was a night filled with artists showcasing their work and musicians of all types of genres coming together to support one another. This has got to be the most diverse lineup I’ve ever seen. The opener was “Team Epic”(a hip hop collective from the Bronx.) Next up was War & Blues, a rock band from Long Island. They proved how Rock-n-Roll they were when the lead singer dropped his empty beer cup on the floor, instead of the mic, after a kick ass last song! Then, D-Rich came on, a smooth; talented ladies man, who played the acoustic guitar and sang beautiful soul rock music. D-Rich was hard to follow, but Amistad was solid. Timothy Perez’s voice in each song sounds like he’s coming from somewhere personal. That type of vulnerability isn’t something you see everyday. It was great to see such a genuine band accomplish a milestone together right in front of my eyes. The best part of the night was when guitarist/pianist, Frandie Batista, jumped to touch the Webster Hall decal on top of the stage and said, “I’m trying not to get emotional because not too long ago I was in the crowd watching some of my favorite musicians perform on this stage. Thank you!”

Article by: Kayla Klein