Acrpost: A Project of the Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres

Event Description

Straight out of Havana… A blazing ensemble of deeply soulful mambo and “a groove as intense as a runaway train.” – NPR

Havana’s top musicians join forces with some of the most creative and spirited talents of New York’s Latin music scene to create Orquesta Akokán. This big band collective reinvigorates the sound of Cuban’s golden era mambo with a bold new energy reminiscent of Benny Moré, Pérez Prado, and banda gigante of the 1940's and 50's. In spring 2018, their self-titled first album released with Daptone Records. The album boasts all original songs recorded at the historic state-run Estudios Areito with Cuba's finest players, young and old, led by the inimitable and dynamic singer José "Pepito" Gómez, produced by Chulo Records' Jacob Plasse, with incendiary arrangements by Michael Eckroth. The ferocious and pedigreed wind and rhythm sections consist of musicians from storied groups including Irakere, NG La Banda, and Los Van Van. Robust, time-tested musical architectures of son cubano and mambo are honored and modernized through a synthesis of the rich compositional styles of Havana, New York, and beyond. Orquesta Akokán made their US debut in July 2018, which included a date at Lincoln Center, and continues their tour to Victoria, BC, to showcase the magnitude of their soulful, captivating music and myriad of rhythmic styles.

Orquesta Akokán: https://www.orquestaakokan.com/

Ticket exclusively available through:
Royal & McPherson Box Office (250-386-6121 or online at rmts.bc.ca).