Percussivo Mondo Novo Takes Guitar Hero to the Stage


Photograph by Bruno Senna

When Guitar Hero first came out, I figured it would only be a matter of time before someone managed to take it out of the living room and into a legit concert venue. And here you have it: Mikael Mutti, of the Brazilian band Percussivo Mundo Novo, fished out the guts of a few Wii remotes, Guitar Hero controllers, and telephones, then added a touchscreen to create a new breed of wireless musical instrument. Whether the thing also makes outgoing calls is up for debate, but with the addition of a double-headed drum with two tunings (that sits in its own wheelbarrow, natch), and “the Submarine,” a bass drum-tenor tom combo, the sextet plays a spirited mix of samba and Afro-Brazilian beats that provides the perfect soundtrack to a hot, steamy summer evening. Watch their Rock Meter and Star Power indicators skyrocket on Thursday, August 4, at Johnny D’s Uptown — and for a sneak peek, check out the video below.

$12, Thursday, August 4, 8 p.m., Johnny D’s Uptown, 17 Holland St., Somerville, 617-776-2004, johnnyds.com, buy tickets here.