LatinoLife

We celebrate the life and music of Héctor Lavoe through the unrivalled vocal talents of Rene Alvarez who leads an all-star band of London’s finest salsa musicians to pay homage to the “Golden Voice of Salsa.” Lavoe’s decades of recording throughout the 70s and 80s earned him global star-status and, paired with trombonist Willie Colón,. Lavoe’s articulate voice, talent for improvisation and wit complemented Colón’s brash New York City trombone-driven sound in one of the most productive and lasting collaborations in salsa, producing 14 albums before his solo career cemented his standing as a superstar. Expect to hear some of salsa’s greatest hits such as El Cantante, Periódico de Ayer and Todo Tiene su Final.

Award-winning Santiago-born singer-songwriter, musician and multi-instrumentalist Rene Alvarez has for a decade been Europe’s most sought-after salsa vocalist and bandleader. Having toured the world with his Salsa outfit The Cuban Combination, Rene has played to the masses, headlining at festivals, for celebrities in private members clubs, and to the world’s wealthiest in intimate mansion concerts, as well as being featured in the latest James Bond movie ‘No Time to Die.’ Here he pays tribute to his inspiration and hero.

Internationally renowned for his masterful performances, world class violinist and educator Omar Puente is nothing short of a true virtuoso. Omar moved from his native Havana to the UK in 1997 and has since captivated audiences in Europe, the Middle and Far East, the USA and Africa with his musical prowess, energy and charismatic, larger-than-life personality. His Charanga Jazz Sextet is designed with dance in mind, blending original tunes with fresh arrangements of traditional Cuban favourites, adding the influences of African rhythm and modern jazz to the mix. The line-up features trumpet, timbales, bass, piano and congas and never fails to get everyone up on their feet moving to Cuban, Charanga and Salsa rhythms.

Throughout his career Omar has performed at many distinguished venues such as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and the Royal Albert Hall, supporting and sharing the stage with a whole host of other esteemed stars including Tito Puente, John Williams, Nigel Kennedy, Courtney Pine and Wynton Marsalis. His many accolades include The 2018 Lukas Award for Classical, Jazz or Folk Act of the Year, a top 10 placement for Songlines Magazine’s Album of the Year and a nomination for Best Jazz Soloist in the 21st International CubaDisco Fair in 2017.

Colombian bandleader Dorance Lorza is also one of the world’s leading salsa vibraphonists, awarded a special honour from the City of Cali for spreading the heritage of ‘salsa con vibes’ abroad. Lorza had an impressive reputation in Colombia as an arranger, composer and producer before arriving in the UK. Since then he’s recorded 5 excellent albums with his Sexteto Café, won his first LUKAS award in 2014, before going on to win more international awards, and a 2018 LUKAS for Best Tropical Album for ‘Tributo a Cali’

Sarabanda is a six-piece collective who play Cuban son and vibrant salsa with a serious groove.  Award-winning pianist and one of the UK’s most successful Latin bandleaders, Sara McGuinness heads up a powerful sextet of wonderful Latin musicians with a big sound – including  bassist Jimmy Martinez and percussionists Emeris Solis, Bill Bland and Alejandro Martinez. Their passionate delivery of exuberant arrangements of both original material and Cuban classics, reflects love of the music they play.

LatinoLife brings the Latin party to Brixton and the Lambeth Country Show. Expect the unique programme of high quality and diverse Latin artists that LatinoLife is known for, taking you on a journey through salsa, reggaetón, samba, jazz, fusion, folk, funk, hip-hop and lots of dance – culminating in a party you won’t want to leave.

LatinoLife is the UK’s leading Latin media, events and music company. In 2022 it became the first Latin-run organisation to be awarded NPO status – National Portfolio Organisation –  joining the likes of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Opera House, Sadler’s Wells and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as one of the Government’s ‘esteemed cultural institutions’ recognised for artistic excellence.

The LatinoLife Stage is supported using public funding by Arts Council England with a National Lottery Project Grant.