Sometimes the pioneers of Cuban music here in Toronto are overlooked… with the excitement over all the talent that has arrived.
Luis Mario Ochoa has been gathering people to hear Cuban dance music, with the finest of musicians, and a level of classy presentation rare in any kind of music… for almost 20 years now.
If you hear some jazz influence in the mix, it’s not at all at the cost of cubanismo. He asks the crowd "Más Rumba??" and he can deliver… get-out-of-your-chair dance music.
There’s a rare show in Oshawa, August 5, part of the Oshawa Jazz and Blues Fest. Costs a few bucks, but it’s the perfect mix for a night to remember: A very classy band, very classy room, in a beautiful spot by the lake. It’s a nice ride from Union Station on the GO Train to Oshawa.
One of Cuba’s most beloved singer-songwriters of Nueva Trova CARLOS VARELA ( check his website Here ) has been announced as one of the many highlights of the popular labour day long weekend HISPANIC FIESTA at Mel Lastman’s Square . For the festival schedule and line up check their website HISPANIC FIESTA .
Carlos Varela is a superb artist – His presence will once again demonstrate the breadth of talent coming from Cuba.
Toronto’s Cafe Cubano ; grupo Fantasia and Lucho de Sedas will also satisfy our dancing needs ! The festival is free ! festival dates are AUG 29- Sept 1
Here is one of my favorite songs “una palabra” .
MULATU ASTATKE in Toronto at the Harbourfrontcentre SAT JULY 26th at 9.30pm on the Sirius stage for FREE.
More information on this legendary artist HERE .
WARD’S ISLAND TORONTO :
Latin street 12 piece Cuban band performing at Wards’ Island with a dance class at 9pm $10 cover. Take a boat from Queen’s Quay
We just got word from the promoters that due to transfer visa issues ( US- The canadian work permits were all in order) The band was not able to board the plane in Colombia – Concert is cancelled but rescheduled to SAT SEPT 27th . Everyone can either keep the tickets or get refund at point of purchase. PARTY at SOUND ACADEMY will go on with Cache DJ – Dancers and all the soccer players . FREE entrance for all . Do not bring your ticket. Keep it or go and get a refund on Monday !
Due to the weather and the zillions of festivals everywhere this is probably a blessing. We will al be very happy to have a fun night out end of SEPTEMBER ! We will keep you posted !
Taking a break from our own promotions ; we are always happy to keep helping our friends!
This coming week-end in Toronto promises to be another great dancing and cultural week-end .
Here are some of our recommendations:
TIRGAN Iranian festival at the Harbourfront Friday July 18- Sunday July 20 – A highlight will be on THURSDAY JULY 17 Mohammed REZA LOTFI and Shayda ensemble on the Sirius stage
TRIBO DE JAH SAT JULY 19 and Sunday July 20 (2nd show added) Reggae direct from Brazil at the Opera House 735 Queen street east presented by LIP ENTERTAINMENT who are also bringing us legendary KASSAV on July 31 at the Sound Academy. We will be there for the Sunday show ! for info visit www.lipentertainment.com
On Saturday July 19th Direct from CALI COLOMBIA one of Colombia’s most popular salsa bands 14 piece SON DE CALI – Members also include two singers from Grupo Niche. Opening the night are local favorites CACHE . There is also a brand new dance floor at the Sound Academy which is located at 11 Polson street Toronto ON . The visiting Colombian soccer stars who will be in town at Lamport stadium for Colombian independence day will be showing up to enjoy the show. We will therefore be treated to their presence as well.
For those of you who know us personally Juan Carlos Bulnes will be dancing along with Albena de Assis from Afrolatino dance company . Also dancing are our friends Jeannette Simeos with Frank Bishun . There is a tremendous amount of love and effort put into the show this week-end. We hope that many will be out supporting SALSA LIVE !
You can check out the band and information about the show at WWW.MYSPACE.COM/SONDECALITORONTO
Tickets are available at several outlets around the city as well as at ticketmaster. We also have some tickets-
One of the most beautiful examples of Salsa/Son Montuno in Colombia ; I had to share this video with you !
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