About this Event
Lukumi rhythms, drums and songs are mixed with strings, flute and piano, and traditional danzones are played over the bata drums instead of the normal Latin percussion battery. The blending of these styles creates a unique musical adventure, one in which you can of course dance all night, or you can listen and appreciate the textures and timbres of this new and creative ensemble.
features some of the best charangueros and bata players in the Bay Area (listed below).
This will be a special performance for the band, as it will be a final chance to play their music for a live audience before heading into the recording studio for an upcoming album. You are invited to join in the rich Batanzón experience and support live music at La Peña, Berkeley’s iconic music and culture venue!
Michael Spiro’s Afro-Cuban charanga ensemble Spirology brings an original approach to Afro-Cuban music. Spiro is one of the true veterans of the charanga scene in San Francisco, beginning with his tenure in the Orquesta Batachanga in the 1980s and continuing as a founding member of the now-iconic Orquesta la Moderna Tradición. He is also a mainstay of Afro-Cuban folkloric music, and is known internationally for his work in this genre.
Spirology features:
Michael Spiro--Leader, arranger, percussion (bata, congas, timbales) and lead vocal
Tregar Otton--violin, arranger
John Calloway--piano, flute and percussion
Steve Senft-Herrera--bass
Sandy Poindexter---violin
Miguel Martinez----flute and background vocals
Pablo Caro---violin and background vocals
Osvaldo Carvajal---guiro, percussion and background vocals
Remi Spiro---percussion (bata, congas, timbales) and background vocals
Ed Valencia---percussion (bata and cowbell) and background vocals
Check out www.Michael-Spiro.com for more information.
Accessibility
- La Peña is a wheelchair-accessible venue with step-less entry, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms.
- Masks are strongly encouraged. If you’re experiencing COVID-19, cold, or flu-like symptoms, please consider staying home to protect our community. HEPA air purifiers operate throughout our space.
- All-gender restrooms available
We strive to make La Peña a welcoming, accessible space for everyone. All are welcome.
If you have any specific needs or questions about accessibility, please contact us at least one week in advance. Email us at [email protected]
Support La Peña!
- Become a La Peña Member: Enjoy free entry to our monthly political education film series, plus and dance parties, rental discounts and more. Join here:
- Make a one-time gift: Support our programs and keep La Peña thriving by donating here: Lapena.org/donate (donations are tax-deductible)
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, United States
USD 27.94 to USD 35.00
