Juan de Marcos & the Afro-Cuban All–Stars

7pm show and 9pm show

Juan de Marcos Gonzalez played a key role in the renewed popularity of Afro-Cuban music in the '90s with the release of Dundunbanza. The album's success drew new audiences to the classic Afro-Cuban sound, helping to ensure an ongoing, important legacy for future generations. Initially Gonzalez led a traditional 'septeto', Sierra Maestra, which utilized the instrumentation of tres (Cuban guitar), trumpet, bass, timbales and vocals, and played the Cuban musical style son. Desiring to capture the excitement of the Latin big band approach pioneered by Arsenio Rodriguez during the '50s, Juan expanded his band's lineup to include piano, congas and a brass section. Renamed the Afro-Cuban All-Stars, they were the first group to record for the much acclaimed Buena Vista Social Club series, assisted by guitarist/producer Ry Cooder. In 1998 the Afro-Cuban All-Stars received a Grammy nomination for A Toda Cuba De Gusta. Their latest recording, Step Forward, advances the Latin big band tradition into the 21st Century.

Doors and dinner beginning at 6:00 pm
Sponsored by Barry Swenson Builder