The Museum of Latin American Art is hosting its second of four Sunday Summer Concerts on July 20, a series celebrating Afro-Cuban music and dance. The June 22 concert featured Cuban songstress Yordamis, who captivated MOLAA’s dancing audience with white hot rhythms, a musical tribute to the Cuban Divas.
The July 20 concert is A Charanga Soiree, featuring New York’s Orquesta Tipica Novel, celebrating the launch of their new album entitled “Mirando Pa’l Cielo,” and a special guest appearance by Grammy award-winning pianist, Oscar Hernandez, of Spanish Harlem Orchestra. A Charanga Soiree will mark Orquesta Tipica Novel’s 50th Anniversary.
Charanga is a traditional Cuban dance music made popular in the 1940’s and heavily influenced by son, a musical style consisting of Spanish guitar and African rhythms. 1940’s Charanga is known for its abundant presence of the violin and flute, found throughout the fiery rhythms of “Mirando Pa’l Cielo.”
Orquesta Tipica Novel has been a favorite of New York City’s Latin dance scene since the band’s conception in 1965. In the 70’s and 80’s Tipica Novel was revered as a musical institution for its contagious, danceable sounds and long list of greatest hits. The band is still considered to be one of the best Charanga groups in Latin America.
MOLAA will offer two more performances celebrating and promoting Latin culture, featuring contemporary musical artists recognized for their contributions to preserving the traditional sounds of Afro-Cuban music. Concert intermissions will feature the salsa and bachata sounds of DJ JOJO and his Mambo Madness.
August 17
Remembering the Palladium Days (Part Deux)
MOLAA honors the days of one of New York’s most celebrated dance halls, the Palladium, and the kings of Afro Caribbean swing. August 17 will feature performances by Grammy award-winning singer, Herman Olivera and Freddie Crespo’s Mambo Revue Orchestra.
September 28
Benny More, Que Bueno Canta Usted!
Backed by the Cal State University Los Angeles Afro Latin Ensemble, internationally celebrated percussionists Lucas Van Merwijk and Calixto Oviedo will pay homage to Benny More, one of Cuba’s most esteemed big bandleaders.
Non-Member Reserved Seating: $40, Non-Member Standing Room: $30. Doors open at 3:00pm. Performances at 4:00pm & 6:00pm. Doors close at 8:00pm. Tickets can be purchased by calling (562) 437-1689. For more information visit www.molaa.org/concertseries.aspx.