Cuban band up next at Furman

DOWNEY - Orgesta Charangoa, one of the top Cuban music orchestras in the Los Angeles area, will perform a free concert Wednesday night at Furman Park.The performance begins at 7 p.m. and is part of the regular concert series produced by the city of Downey. L.A. Weekly has called Orgesta Charangoa "the keeper of the flame for traditional Cuban charanga." The band is led by flutist and bandleader Fay Roberts. Timbalas, guiro, contrabass, cellos, violins and flutes are used to reproduce the sounds of 40s and 50s Cuba. Since 1997 Charangoa has performed at many Southern California venues, including the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion, the Palladium, the Palace and the Conga Room. Charangoa has opened for Cuban band Los Van Van and has backed up Israelt Lopez Cachao. Television appearances include KCET's "Holiday Celebration" and KTTV's "Good Day L.A." Charangoa has also performed at many festivals, including the Watts Towers Jazz Festival, L.A. Cuban Festival, African Marketplace and the L.A. Salsa Festival. The Downey Rose Float Association will be selling food and drinks before and during the concert. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

********** Published: August 14, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 17

EventsEric Pierce