Los Romeros Rock Lobero

It was certainly a family affair when Los Romeros, a guitar quartet featuring family members – Celin, Pepe, Angel, and Lito Romero – performed at the Lobero, part of the CAMA Masterseries.

The family was celebrating its 60th anniversary and the historic theater its 150th birthday.

The dynasty settled in Santa Barbara after legendary Spanish guitarist Celedonio Romero left his native country in 1957 when his artistic freedom was jeopardized under the Fascist regime of Gen. Francisco Franco. In June 1958, Celedonio made his U.S. recital debut at the Lobero, returning in 1959 with his three sons, Celin, Pepe, and Angel, each of them performing solo guitar works.

Two years later, the family performed together as The Romeros, the first guitar quartet on the international concert scene.

In 1990 Celin’s son, Celino, joined the quartet when Angel left to pursue a solo career and in 1996 Angel’s son, Lito, joined following Celedonio’s death that year.

The thoroughly entertaining evening featured works by Vivaldi, Granados, Barrio, Villa-Lobos, Tarrega, Boccherini, Bizet, De Falla, Albéniz, Iradier, Giménez, and founder Celedonio Romero.