The Spanish King of Twang, Twanguero, has been described in the press as a “fire-breathing guitar hero.” He plays a blend of blues, folk, flamenco, country, and Latin jazz, and he’s performing at Boulevard Music on Saturday. The man born Diego García told the News about what he has in store for Culver City…
When did you start playing and performing?
I started playing the guitar when I was six. I knew quite fast that it was my calling. Luckily enough my parents supported me in my path, but they always insisted on me having to work hard. A little bit like, “You want to play the guitar for a living, you better do it as best as you can.” As a teenager, I started to write my own pieces of music. I had my first live performance at 14, and my first European tour at age 16. In my 20’s, I started playing with renown bands in Spain, and after successful tours with them I decided to create my own project, Twanguero.
Describe your sound…
My music comes from the guitar and from traveling. I grew up in Spain, but over the years I’ve absorbed a lot from Latin America and the U.S. There’s Spanish folk, Latin American rhythms, tango, American roots, blues, surf, rockabilly, cumbia… It really depends which guitar I have in my hands. I like to think of it as music without borders.
What have you been up to since your last visit to Culver City?
A lot of playing, traveling and creating. I’ve been touring across the US with my Backroads of the Americas solo performance, recording new music and working on different collaborations. The music keeps evolving with every place I visit and every musician and audience I connect with.
Is there any new recorded music available?
Yes! I released Panamerica in 2024, followed by Christmas with El Twanguero in 2025, a collection of holiday music recorded entirely analog. This past May, I released a new single, Sendero as a tribute to my mother. There’s more on the way too — both my own music and collaborations currently in production. No release dates to announce just yet, but more is coming.
How was your last Boulevard Music show?
I always love playing at Boulevard Music. Two years ago, I played there with the band, and last year I came back solo, so I’ve had the chance to experience the room in two very different ways. It’s such an intimate space and you really feel the connection with the audience. And we love Gary and his team — they’re always so warm and welcoming and make it feel like coming back to friends. I’m really looking forward to returning and bringing something different again this time.
What can the audience expect from the set this time?
This one is going to be different. I’ve called it Spanish Electric. I’ll have both sides of my musical world with me — my Spanish Ramírez and my Collings electric. Expect the intimacy and storytelling of the Spanish guitar, but also the twang, surf, rockabilly, cumbia and Latin rhythms of my electric side. Two guitars, one musical journey.
What else do you have coming up?
After Culver City, I’ll be on the road with Backroads of the Americas for a run of shows across California and Arizona. Then I’m heading back to Spain for a few very special dates celebrating my 50th birthday. After that, I’ll be back in the U.S. for shows in Colorado and New Mexico. Exciting times to come!
Twanguero performs at 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 29 at Boulevard Music. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more information about the show.
Elsewhere this week
The Culver Hotel will be hosting the likes of Sylvia & the Rhythm Boys, and Scotty Bramer. Go to culverhotel.com for more info.
There’s a full program of music at the Cinema Bar this week, as usual. The Hot Club of Los Angeles plays every Monday, and Wednesdays are singer/songwriter and open mic night. Other artists performing this week include Joy Riders, Ginger Merkin, Dennis Spencer, Tom Gramlich, and more. Go to thecinemabar.com for more info.