The Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre presents…
Afro-Cuban Dimensions: A Musical Journey From Cuba to Canada
Saturday October 31, 2015, 8pm
Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton St, Vancouver
The Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre is proud to present Afro-Cuban Dimensions: A Musical Journey From Cuba to Canada. This show presents the musical history of Cuba, focusing on the fusion of rhythms brought by the African slaves with the musical traditions of the Spanish settlers. The results of this cross-cultural interchange have had, and continue to have, a profound influence on contemporary popular music. The Blues, Jazz, Country, Funk – as well as the Caribbean’s on-going contribution to the many beats of popular dance – all reflect the musical roots that Afro-Cuban Dimensions will explore.
Afro-Cuban Dimensions is an evening of incredible music selected and performed by powerhouse performers with a wealth of international experience. Invited dancers who’ve mastered the many rhythmic variations round out the performance! Fortunately for us, all this talent currently resides in British Columbia!
We invite everyone in Vancouver – and beyond – who would enjoy the toe tapping, hand clapping, soul swaying experience of Afro-Cuban Dimensions! We look forward to welcoming you at a rare performance that’s not to be missed!
Musicians
Israel (Toto) Berriel: Originally from Matanzas, Cuba, is a traditional Afro-Cuban percussionist and vocalist. For twelve years he played with the world’s best-known Rumba group, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, where he mastered the Afro-Cuban repertoire. A naturally gifted vocalist with a distinctive sound, Toto is an exceptional performer. Although deeply rooted in the Afro-Cuban traditions, he is also comfortable with jazz, soul and funk. Having toured worldwide, he has made Canada his home since 2001.
Pablo Cárdenas: Also Cuban born, first touched a keyboard at age five, and went on to graduate from Havana’s Superior Institute of Music in jazz and classical performance. He is enjoying a long and successful international career both as performer and teacher, and currently teaches jazz piano at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. His extensive repertoire includes classical, jazz, Latin jazz, and both traditional and modern Cuban styles. His Afro Latin Band performed at both the Victoria and Vancouver Jazz Fest in 2013.
Peter Dowse: Born in the UK, is a bass player who spent a significant part of his working life in New York City as a studio artist, recording with a great variety of performers, both rhythm & blues and Jazz, including the great Omar Hakim. Peter has also worked as a record producer and live performer, and on one memorable night shared the stage with Smokey Robinson and The Four Tops. He lived in Montreal before recently relocating to Victoria, and has since been working with Pablo Cardenas on their musical projects.
Miguelito Valdés: Miguelito is one of Cuba’s most highly regarded trumpet players in his generation. He participated in the Latin Grammy award-winning recording “La Rumba Soy Yo” and, in 2000, began playing with Omara Portuondo – Diva of The Buena Vista Social Club. He toured the world with her for 6 years. He has also played with Michael Brecker, Herbie Hancock, John Patitucci, Danilo Perez and, from the Latin scene, Michael Stuart, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and Ricardo Lemvo. In 2005, he participated in the CD recording “Rhythms del Mundo” with Sting, Coldplay, U2 and Maroon 5, to name a few of the collaborating artists.
Danay Sinclair : Born in Havana, began studying music at the age of 12 at the Alejandro Garcia Caturla Conservatory, graduating three years later as a vocalist in popular music. Her early professional career, beginning at the age 16, was with the prestigious all-female Cuban bands “Caribbean Girls” and ” Las Chicas del Loco”. In 2002 she joined the well-known band D’Talle, singing with them for 5 years. In 2003 she shared stage with Angel Lopez of Son by Four and James ‘Da Bamba’ of DLG. She also performed with the Goma Dura Orquesta and, in 2006, shared the stage with Arturo Sandoval at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. She now calls Vancouver home.