Los Angeles CA – The annual Cuban American Music Festival has become a symbol of unity and joy in Southern California. Latinos and lovers of Latin culture alike are invited to celebrate Los Angeles’ only Cuban Festival, happening on Cuba’s Independence Day- May 20, produced by Yambu Productions.
The Cuban American Music Festival is now recognized for its food, music and of course, Officer Booker of the LAPD’s Central Traffic Division, who hopped off his bike and showed off some serious salsa skills at the festival in 2017. Booker expertly spun and swayed to the music, twirling his female partners to the rhythm.
The Cuban American Music Festival celebrates the rich diversity of Cuban Culture in Southern California. The festival will feature Cuban cuisine, Cuban and Latin inspired drinks, international and regional music, dance troupes, Cuban cigars and dominoes.
Special performances by:
Pedro Calvo
Pedro “Pedrito” Calvo is a popular Cuban singer, he is most famous for his time with Los Van Van, one of Cuba’s premier dance bands, which he joined in 1974. During his time with Juan Formel‘s Orchestra, Calvo recorded some of Los Van Van’s greatest hits such as “La Habana No Aguanta Mas,” “El Baile del Buey Cansao”, “Marilu”, “Sandunguera”, “Que Le Den Candela”, “El Negro Está Cocinando”, and “La Fruta” just to name a few.
Calvo’s charismatic personality and unique singing style, which often includes clever word games accompanied with rhythmic and expressive vocal sounds, along with his thick black mustache and a white wide-brimmed hat became his characteristic trademark look. In 2001, Calvo left Los Van Van to pursue his own musical career. Calvo has since formed his own band called Pedro Calvo y La Justicia.
Now Pedro Calvo will come to Los Angeles, CA for the first time since his departure from Los Van Van to perform with The ARP Big Band as a special guest to pay a tribute to the greatest Cuban singer, Beny More “El Barbaro del Ritmo”.
The Arsenio Rodriguez Big Band
The Arsenio Rodriguez Project Big Band, is an All- Star Ensemble of LA’s top musicians, who pay tribute to Arsenio Rodriguez, known as “the father of salsa”. ?
?The Ensemble formed in 2011 to celebrate Arsenio’s life and legacy, presenting the original arrangements of the man credited as one of the greatest Afro-Cuban music innovators.
Charanga Cubana
?A traditional Cuban music group founded in Los Angeles in 1996 by Cuban bass player Edgar Hernandez. The orchestra has participated in many of LA’s local Cuban cultural events, as well as, nightclubs in Southern California.
?Charanga Cubana has released three compact discs, played at Carnaval de la Calle Ocho in Miami, and played at Fiesta Broadway in L.A.
Las Chikas
?The all-female band, Las Chikas is comprised of some of the most talented female musicians in Los Angeles.
Salsa never looked so good in the City of Los Angeles, a melting pot of cultures, and ethnicity come together to give birth to a multicultural female band that set the stage on fire!
Calixto & Timba LA
?Calixto Oviedo is a Cuban drummer whose artistic career spans over 40 years. He has performed with some of the greatest such as Pacho Alonso, Adalberto Alvarez, NG La Banda, Issac Delgado, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Paquito D’Rivera, Emiliano Salvador, Afro Cuban All Stars among others. Calixto Oviedo now resides in Los Angeles, CA.
This event is endorsed by LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in the City of Los Angeles. The celebration will have music performances, entertainment, attractions, food vendors, merchandise: fun for Angelenos to enjoy.
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