Bandoneon Massacre
- Event Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
- Time: 6:00 pm–7:00 pm (CDT)
- Location: Hundley Central Core Gallery, Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory St., Urbana, IL
Bandoneon Massacre presents a program that spans nearly a century of tango. The performance features music from the 1930s—tango’s “Golden Age”—alongside contemporary works for tango string orchestra from the 2020s.
Through lively rhythms, expressive melodies, and modern ensemble textures, the concert highlights both the rich tradition and ongoing evolution of tango, connecting its historic dance-hall roots with today’s creative interpretations.
This program is presented as part of the href="https://boneyardartsfestival.org/"Boneyard Arts Festival (external link).
About the artists
Bandoneon Massacre is a community tango orquesta collective based in Champaign-Urbana, IL. The ensemble was founded in 2011 by tango dancer, dance instructor, and bandoneonist Joe Grohens as part of a group of tango dance enthusiasts who wanted to dive deep into the world of tango music and learn how to play it.
While its members have varied, the love for tango has been consistent. Over 60 professional and amateur musicians have been a part of the group, including members of the Champaign-Urbana tango dance community, local musicians, and university students.
The group has primarily studied tango dance music from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s alongside selections from contemporary tango music composers and arrangers. Bandoneon Massacre has performed in a wide variety of events and venues, bringing the joy and passion of tango music for dancing and for listening to milongas (tango social dances), schools, community events, bars and breweries, and more.
Contact
For further information on this event, contact the Museum Information Desk at spurlock-museum@illinois.edu (email link) or (217) 333-2360.
All are welcome. To request disability-related accommodations for this event, please contact Brian Cudiamat at cudiamat@illinois.edu (email link) or (217) 244-5586.