Maybe we don’t talk about Bruno, but we have to talk about Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert (10/6)! This magical madrigal evening offers Encanto lovers of all ages the chance to sing along with their favorite GRAMMY Award-winning songs performed by the live band, Banda de la Casita, while watching the full film. We spoke with Music Director and musician, Erica “Kika” Parra of Banda de la Casita, the Encanto house band, to find out why live music makes all the difference.
Describe the energy and excitement in the theater during these performances.
During Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert, the theater buzzes with energy and excitement. As the first notes of "The Family Madrigal" play, a wave of enthusiasm sweeps through the crowd, with fans of all ages joining in and singing along with familiar lyrics. The vibrant visuals, colors, and dynamic live music set the tone for a lively and interactive experience. Children and adults alike are often seen dancing in their seats or in the aisles, waving glow sticks or clapping along to the beat. Every time a new song starts, cheers erupt, especially for crowd favorites like "We Don't Talk About Bruno" or "Surface Pressure." The sense of community and shared joy is palpable, with the audience feeding off the performers' high energy and the uplifting, celebratory nature of the music. Moments of call and response, where the crowd sings back parts of the songs add to the dynamic atmosphere. The host often encourages participation, creating an inclusive and immersive environment that makes everyone feel like they're part of the show. There's a sense of magic and wonder, a collective celebration of music, family, and the themes that make Encanto so special.
How does having a live band add to the experience of seeing this beloved movie?
Having a live band transforms the experience into something truly special and immersive. The dynamic energy of live musicians playing the score brings a new depth and richness to the songs, making each performance feel more vivid and emotionally resonant. The powerful sound of live instruments—like drums, Colombian traditional percussion, guitars, bass, and accordion—enhance the music's vibrant rhythms and melodies, creating a more engaging and visceral experience than a recorded soundtrack. With a live band, the audience can feel the intensity and nuances of the music in real time. Additionally, seeing the musicians perform adds a visual layer to the concert. Watching them pour their passion and talent into the music helps connect the audience to the songs on a deeper emotional level, creating a more interactive and communal atmosphere. It makes the concert feel less like watching a movie and more like being part of a live, musical celebration.
What do you think audience members will most enjoy about this performance?
Audience members at Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert will likely enjoy several aspects of the performance.
The joy of singing together: The sing-along format invites everyone to join in on their favorite songs, creating a shared experience where fans can express their love for Encanto in unison. There's something uniquely joyful about singing alongside hundreds of others who are equally passionate about the music, fostering a sense of community and connection.
The energy of a live performance: The dynamic presence of a live band adds excitement and spontaneity to the experience. The audience will love the real-time musical interpretation with its rich sounds, rhythms, and emotional crescendos that can only be achieved with live instrumentation. This makes each performance feel unique and alive.
Celebrating themes of family and identity: Fans will enjoy connecting with the film’s powerful themes of family, acceptance, and personal growth. Singing along to heartfelt songs like "Dos Oruguitas" or "Waiting on a Miracle" allows them to tap into the emotions and messages that resonated with them when they first saw the movie. Overall, Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert will offer fans a joyful celebration of the film's music, culture, and themes, creating a night filled with smiles, singing, and unforgettable moments.
Describe your role in working on this production and what you love most about it.
As the music director for Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert, my role involves shaping the musical journey of the entire production, ensuring that every note, rhythm, and harmony captures the vibrant spirit and cultural richness of the original film. I work closely with the live band to bring the songs to life, coordinating rehearsal run-throughs, and guiding the band to create an unforgettable experience for the audience. One of my key responsibilities is to preserve the essence of the film's music while also adding a fresh, live interpretation that resonates with the audience.
What I love most about this role is the opportunity to collaborate with an incredible team of talented musicians, all united by a passion for the music and the story of Encanto. There’s a unique thrill in hearing the first chords of a song ring out in a theater filled with excited fans, knowing that we are creating something special together. I’m inspired by the joy and energy that the music brings to people—whether it’s seeing a child’s face light up when they hear the first notes of "We Don't Talk About Bruno" or feeling the collective emotion of the audience during "Dos Oruguitas." I also love the cultural significance of this production. Working on Encanto means celebrating and sharing the rich traditions, rhythms, and sounds of Colombia. I come from a Colombian family, so I definitely connect with those traditions and Encanto! It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a project that highlights diversity, family, and the beauty of embracing our unique gifts. Every performance is a chance to connect with people through music and to see how it can bring them closer to the story, the characters, and each other.
Ultimately, being the music director for this concert allows me to create an atmosphere where music becomes a bridge between the audience and the world of Encanto. The most rewarding part is seeing that connection happen and knowing I played a part in making it come alive.
Meet the Musicians of Banda de la Casita
Banda de la Casita is the onstage band bringing the magical, musical world of Disney’s Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert to life during the live-to-film concert experience! The Banda’s vibrant and dynamic performances of the treasured songs from the movie infuse each note with the spirit and energy of the film's original soundtrack. Featuring a blend of traditional Colombian rhythms and contemporary styles, “Banda de la Casita” captures and celebrates the heart and la familia of Encanto.
Veronica Mosquera
Host/ Cuatro
Over 20 years in the arts industry.
Moris Cañate
Percussion
Career started at age 5 as an Afro-Colombian dancer.
Erica “Kika” Parra
Percussion
Won three Grammy Awards and an Oscar for Disney’s Encanto.
Channo Tierra
Accordion
Has earned multiple Grammy Awards for his musical contributions and can
be heard on the Encanto original soundtrack.
Ronald Polo
Percussion
Influential singer, composer, director, and won the Congo de
Oro for best composition at the Carnaval de Barranquilla.
Juan Arango
Guitar
Renowned composer, producer, and guitarist with clients like NBC,
ABC, Disney Concerts, and Amazon.
Ramiro Marziani
Guitar
Began playing guitar at age 11 after finding an old, dusty guitar at his grandmother’s house.
Jader Torres
Bass
Toured Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Mexico, Canada, and the U.S.
Roberto de Jesús Cuao Rivera
Drum Set
Part of the TV musical casts of X Factor, Do Re Millones, My Name, and Voice Colombia.
Bring the entire family to Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert (10/6), and sing along to your favorite GRAMMY Award-winning songs performed by Banda de la Casita, while watching the full film. Purchase your tickets to this showcase of iconic hits today.