For fans of Cuban music, Sunday night’s Encore series show, “Havana Cuba All Stars: Asere,” was a must-see. There’s no doubt, though, that new fans were born during the performance, as the spicy acoustic instrumentation and exuberant dancing celebrated traditional Cuban music with a contemporary flair.
The 12-piece band, consisting of trumpets, congas, bongos, bass, guitars, violins and rich vocals was brought to life with African/Spanish rhythms. A unique feature of “Asere” is its performances of Son music. Son combines African rhythms with Spanish flavor. Gaining its popularity in Havana, Son later becoming an inspiration for salsa dance.
The audience was invited to dance along during a couple of numbers. Looking down from my seat in the balcony, it appeared that only a few people in the audience below felt bold enough to attempt the tricky Guaguanco rhythms of the final number, “Habanera.” The Afro-Cuban music style Guaguanco, began in dock areas of Havana and Matanzas, but was equally enjoyed from the balcony of Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.
It was eye (and ear) opening to discover the intense rhythms of the many styles of Cuban music offered by “Asere”. The heartfelt vocals, lyrical strings and sweet trumpet melodies invited the audience to enjoy a glimpse of island culture that very few of us will ever experience in person.
This season’s final Encore event will be April 16. “Jigjam: Live from Ireland,” will bring “I-grass,” (Irish-influenced Bluegrass) to the FHSU campus. Tickets go on sale April 1.
Dawne Leiker is a supporter of the arts in Hays and a frequent contributor to Tiger Media Network.