Cuba’s biggest, funkiest dance orchestra returns to London for the first time in two years.

Formed in 1969 in Havana, Cuba, this 20-piece band plays an irresistible brand of dance groove they created called ‘songo’ – a solid and invigorating fusion of rich Caribbean rhythms, Afro-Cuban drumming, salsa & rock/pop elements. This new sound is still the  rhythm of Havana and one of the most influential Cuban forms since the cha-cha-cha.

Featuring a fearsome collection of virtuoso musicians, their live shows are all about the relationship between the band and the dancefloor, with call-and-response Afro-Cuban conga, sharp horns and violin riffs, vocal improvisations drifting in and out between their solid groove.

Cuba is a powerhouse in the development of popular music, and Los Van Van, the world’s premier Latin dance band, continues to rock the Cuban soul and ram dancefloors worldwide.

“If you are in Jamaica and the Wailers were playing you got to see them, if you  are in Havana you’ve got to see Los Van Van performing, it doesn’t get any better than that.” Gilles Peterson, Radio One

“…the gig had the feelgood flamboyance of an old-school soul revue, the infectious energy of a rave, and a rap-like team of singers … In short, they make joyous dance music.” The Sunday Times

“… the very best music that Cuba has to offer, delivered with an explosive level of enthusiasm and sheer joy that was a privilege to witness.” Morning Star

**** Evening Standard

“As one imperturbable groove flowed effortlessly into the next, the tried-and-tested formula worked its magic, sweeping the audience into its rhythmic embrace…” The Times

“The best dance band in Cuba!” New York Times

“The undisputed king of Cuban dance orchestras and one of the most influential forces ever in Afro-Cuban music” Los Angeles Times

VAN VAN TICKETS are available for cash without paying a booking fee from the following djs:

Dr. JIM
Monday evenings @ The Buffalo Bar. 259 Upper Street  Islington. N1 1RU /// Sunday afternoons @ The Place dance studios. 16 Flaxman Terrace  City of London. WC1H 9AT.
More info: http://www.facebook.com/#!/jim.layne

JAVIER LA ROSA
1st and 3rd Saturday of every month @ Salsa Fusion. www.salsa-fusion.com  /// 4th Saturday in Baila Londres. 45 Pitfield Street. N1 6DA.
More info: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=631895109#!/profile.php?id=686725798

Dj RICH
3rd Friday of every month @ El Grande http://www.salsarepublic.co.uk Regular nights @ Cuban Hideaway. http://www.uksalsa4all.com/la_clave_cubana/cuban_hideaway_live.html
More info: http://facebook.com/richard.fallon2

Tickets also available for cash without booking fee from:
CARNICERIA LAS AMERICAS
24a Popes Road
Brixton Market
London SW9 8JH
Opening times:
Mon to Sun: 9am – 5pm