SYDNEY — On August 29 a benefit night for Cuba will be held at the North Bondi RSL Club, Ramsgate Avenue in North Bondi at 8pm.
Cuba is suffering greatly under the US economic embargo imposed in the early 1960s. Various members of performing groups, as well as other members of the Latin community and their friends, have donated clothing, currently awaiting shipment to Cuba. When it arrives, it will be distributed by the Cuban Institute for the Friendship of the Peoples to a primary school, an aged-care centre and a child-care centre.
Two of Sydney's best known Afro-Latin bands will be performing: Cumana, an Afro-Peruvian band which also explores Afro-Cuban rhythms, and Sandunga. Both promise energetic and exhilarating performances.
Cumana has a unique repertoire with a selection of instruments peculiar to Peru, including a quijada (the jaw of a donkey); the cajon and cajita, box-like instruments which form the base of percussion; the campana (a cowbell); and the carasca (a grooved gourd).
Sandunga plays a potent blend of Spanish melodies, jazz and African rhythms, and draws its inspiration from the great Afro-Cuban performers such as lrakere, Los Van Van, Eddie Palmieri and Tito Puente.
The arrangements are kept in a contemporary context with funk and dance grooves incorporated. The net result of this salsa music is a unique and exciting dance groove which will leave listeners craving for more.
There will be a raffle of Cuba's finest rum and proceeds from the night will fund the shipment of the clothing to Cuba.