Cal Performances | World Stage | Afro-Cuban All Stars

Patron Information | Artists links

Afro-Cuban All Stars

A huge Cal Performances favorite, this powerhouse group offers performances that routinely end with audiences celebrating in the aisles, performing a variety of styles including classic son montuno, contemporary timba, swinging big band, Afro-Cuban jazz, and more. The ensemble is led by the legendary Juan de Marcos González (of the Buena Vista Social Club), and together, the musicians have sparked a worldwide infatuation with the diversity and vitality of Cuban culture. Their music "can suddenly transport you with delight in a way that very little else these days is capable of" (New Statesman).

Program Notes
Program notes are available approximately one week before the performance.

Audio Clips
( Windows Media Player)

Amor Verdadero *, **

Tumbo Palo Cocuye *

* Clips listed here are representative of the artists, but may be different than what are being played as part of the Cal Performances program
** From the 1998 Grammy Award-nominated Best Tropical Latin Performance album, Toda Cuba Le Gusta

Education/Community Events
Latin Music Series
Feb 25, 5-6:30 pm
Zellerbach Hall Lobby Mezzanine
Jazz radio host and Latin music specialist Jesse "Chuy" Varela leads a series of lectures to complement performances by Ballet Flamenco José Porcel (Dec 5); Noche Flamenca (Jan 23); Afro-Cuban All Stars (Feb 25); and Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, and Christian McBride (Mar 21). With extensive background information, guest interviews, and musical illustration, these lively talks take place at 5-6:30 pm in the Zellerbach Hall Lobby Mezzanine prior to the performances. [More Information]