Glastonbury Festival Of Contemporary Performing Arts - Areas - Cubana Salsa Tent

The venue that has brought the genuine Latin experience to Glastonbury celebrates its fifth year in 2011. Bigger and better than ever before, and in a new location in Holts, next to Left Field, we bring you the spirit of sexy and sensual Latin dance right from the source, with some of Cuba's top bands, as well as the leading acts from the UK's own salsa and Latin scene.  

As ever, each night after the main stages finish, we present our hottest late-night sessions, with the biggest bands, DJs and a heaving dance floor. Plus, during the day, more live music, and our trademark notorious Salsa classes.  

What's more, we're once again partnered with Cubana bar-restaurant, so we can offer authentic Cuban cocktails, lush Mojitos and fresh tropical fruit smoothies along with Latin street-food while you listen to the music – check www.glastonbury-cubana.com for details  

So, kick back, pick up a Mojito, and enjoy…

This year's acts:

Sur Caribe

Santiago is the former capital - and in many eyes is still the music and cultural hub of Cuba. The 15 -piece Sur Caribe is without doubt Santiago's top ‘conjunto', or musical group. Led by maestro Ricardo Leyva since 1987, the evolving membership has always featured Cuba's most talented young players, graduates of the island's famous music colleges. Their powerful and distinctive sound originates in the conga rhythms of Santiago's annual Carnival, where the band plays a leading role. However, the songs draw on every genre of Cuban popular music, as well as influences from all around the Caribbean and the rest of the Latin world.

We are very fortunate to have Sur Caribe come to the UK especially for the festival, and they will be Cubana's 'house musicians'. As well as featuring Thursday evening and Friday night with the full orchestra, some members will be performing as “Bandera Cubana”: a sextet, trio or foursome, playing traditional Cuban son and guaracha on acoustic instruments, at various times throughout the weekend.

Rumba Caliente

Toby Shippey is founder and director of multi-award-winning Salsa Celtica, the band that tore through the divisions between Latin and traditional Scottish and Irish music, bringing together the best musicians of both genres  to create a totally unique sound. Rumba Caliente is Toby's other project, evoking the spirit of the legendary New York salsa sound, bringing it into the 21st century with a modern twist, and with the same astonishing levels of musicianship that made Salsa Celtica famous. And for Glastonbury this year Toby is creating an extra-special band, featuring some extra-hot guest performers and vocalists. On Saturday night the tent will be on fire! (Not literally!)

Robin Jones and King Salsa

Robin Jones has to be the UK's top conga player. The list of famous people he's played with and for over the years is endless: it ranges from Elton John, Lulu and Billy Idol, to jazz giants Stan Getz, Chet Baker, Dexter Gordon and Bud Powell, to Sade and Basia. But his passion has been for Latin and salsa music, through his band King Salsa, founded in 1986. Membership has always been drawn from the top current group of crack young players internationally: they've backed many of the world’s greats of Latin and Latin Jazz, and the band has included many great players and singers, some of whom have become band leaders in their own right. With a brand-new line-up, and a killer repertoire from their new album “Sabroso Mambo”, prepare to be dazzled – as you dance, of course.

To’ Mezclao

Direct from Cuba, Havana-based To’ Mezclao are a seven strong crew, described by Songlines as “The best thing to come out of Cuba in recent times”. The name means “totally mixed up”, and their music combines cumbia, merengue, salsa, hip-hop and reggaeton – they have been playing to packed houses in Havana and on tour.

Wara

A London based project, featuring members from London’s Latino community and beyond, fusing Cuban timba and salsa with soul, funk, Afro-Cuban grooves, pan-Latin rhythms and even Drum'n'Bass and dubstep. A unique style of music that tastes of good vibes and rum! Every time they play, the buzz is increasing – catch them now as they head for the big time!

Latin Dub Soundsystem

Part sound system, part South American orchestra, but ultimately genre-defying, Latin Dub Sound System incorporates Latin percussion, house-driven melodies, dub beats, uplifting vocals, flamenco guitars, Mambo horns and rap. The band is a collection of London based musicians of all ages and nationalities with many eclectic listening and playing styles. The result is an energetically seductive blend of traditional and modern styles of live and electronic music, infused with a carnival spirit that is winning over audiences wherever they play.

Salsa teachers
We welcome the return of our resident teacher Nigel “La Tempesta” May – well known globally for the way he keeps you wanting more, through his infectious use of music, movement and fun. Spectating is an option, but you won’t last long before you’re in the midst of a salsa party, getting down and dirty! Nigel started break-dancing at an early age, and qualified as a dance instructor by the age of twenty. He has performed on stage and TV, and now teaches all over the world. As much in demand for his reputation as Mr K.P.A. (King Party Animal) he’ll be keeping everyone on their feet all weekend.

Leeds-based Nicolai and Helena are probably the most popular dance teachers in the North of England, from where their fame has spread to the extent that they are in demand not just all over the country, but as far away as New York and the Caribbean. With their fun, humorous teaching style, learning the moves becomes a pleasure – you’ll be sashaying across the floor before you know it, with a big smile on your face!

Salsa classes every day at 12 noon, 2pm and 5pm. No experience necessary, and no need to bring a partner!

DJs
If that’s not enough, between the live shows we have some of the UK’s best Latin DJs – DJ Felix El Gato, who packs the floors at Salsa congresses and events across the UK and Europe; DJ Jose Luis ‘Candela’, star of the London Latino scene; DJs Cal Jader & Arias (Movimientos), responsible for the current cumbia craze; and from Brazil DJ Die, warming us with his tropical sunshine beatz.

Head on over to the dance floor – it’s yours, whenever you like, all weekend!