Latin music greats Arturo Sandoval, left, and Oscar D'Leon playing it up during Cubalibre in Coral Gables in 2005.
Cubalibre Block Party
By Amy Reyes
The Globe Café and Bar in Coral Gables brings its nostalgic celebration of the Cuba that once was (and maybe one day will return) at their fifth annual ¡Cubalibre Blockparty!
This voyage to the Cuba of yesteryear happens on May 16 at 4 p.m. at Alhambra Circle in Coral Gables, which will be closed down between Le Jeune and Salzedo. The air will be filled with the sound of vintage vinyl played by DJ Ricosón, who has strict instructions to spin only popular recordings from the '40s and '50s (no reggaeton -- not yet). Early Celia Cruz, Beny Moré, Trio Matamoros and Anacaona will serenade the revelers as they stuff themselves with Cuban treats, swill their Bacardi cocktails and visit the cigar lounge, where local cigar retailer Sabor Havana will be rolling and selling fresh tobaccos.
To transport you to the island, a granizado vendor will be stationed on a corner, scraping from his huge block of ice fresh shavings to douse in sugary syrups. There'll be a domino tournament, street performers -- including (everybody's favorite) the guy who dances with a mannequin -- and a prize will be given to the person who best captures the essence of the golden age of Cuba with their wardrobe. Meaning now's the time to wear your Cuban-chic finery and starch your favorite guayabera. There will other giveaways and raffles, with the grand prize being round trip tickets on American Airlines.
The live performances will begin at sundown with Afro-Cuban group Los Herederos. A sound that's familiar to most Cubans, the music is pure Yoruba-style, with drum-heavy rhythms that lets folks demonstrate their hip-shaking skills. Feel no inhibitions non-Cubans; everyone needs a good shake every now and again.
Los Tres de La Habana follow and will heat things up with their fresh fusion of Cuban rhythmic styles and their unique vocal harmonies. Then for the salsa lovers (most Cubans), the show will culminate with Rey Ruiz singing from his huge repertoire of dance floor faves, and maybe even a ballad or two to keep the mood nostalgic. The fiesta continues at the Globe from midnight until 2 a.m., with DJ Ricosón playing salsa at the after party -- so make sure the babysitter can stay late.
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I guess no new music has been created in Cuba in the last 50 years ... so much for Cuba "Libre"
Posted by: cubanito47 on Fri, 2008-05-16 16:33