AS part of its continuing cultural engagement that has brought jazz musicians, dance groups, a classical pianist and a flautist to Guyana over the last three years, the Embassy of the United States of America in introducing Music of America has brought another musical contingent to Guyana – this time Filligar.

Fillagar is a rock band consisting of four talented and accomplished musicians, and has been described as one of the best young bands in America. They have been selected by the U.S. Department of State and cultural ambassadors representing the American people and their cultural values. The band’s latest record, hexagon, was named ‘Best New Music’ by American Songwriter Magazine while their previous release, The Nerve, was nominated ‘Best Rock Album’ at the 2012 Independent Music Awards.
Fillagar has had the opportunity to share the stage with acclaimed American artists such as Counting Crows, The Black Keys and My Morning Jacket.
Yesterday, the band members along with Ambassador Brent Hardt introduced the group to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony at his Main Street Office where he welcomed them to Guyana.
While in Guyana the group will be performing at the Rupununi Music and Arts festival and engage in a range of musical exchanges and activities in Georgetown. These include workshops with the National School of Music, educators and a public concert at the National Cultural Centre on February 18, 2014.
The four member band consists of the three Mathias brothers and Casey Gibson. Guitarist and lead vocalist Johnny Mathias, Bassist Teddy Mathias and drummer Pete Mathias are all graduates of Dartmouth College while classically-trained pianist, Casey Gibson is an Economics major, and minor in Music History, Theory, and Ethnomusicology at Hamilton College.