Bomba: Afro Cuban Drumming and Song Workshop, Tuesday, May 5th

If you’re a musician, singer or dancer interested in learning about the Afro-Cuban folk music of Matanzas — a city and province considered by many to be the folkloric cradle of Cuba — you’ll want to catch the Bomba troupe’s workshop taking place at the Lula Lounge on Tuesday, May 5th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m..

(Yes, I know that bomba means “nekkid” in Tagalog. We’re talking bomba as in “bomb” or the town of Bomba in the province of Matanzas, Cuba.)

The workshop is designed for musicians, singers and dancers — anyone with an interest in learning more about this music is welcome. Group participation is expected, and some instruments will be provided.

Here are the bios of the Bomba musicians:

Mario Allende

Born in Chile and raised in Canada, Mario is the driving force in Bomba! He mixes the drum kit, timbales, congas and myriad percussion instruments as effortlessly as he incorporates the traditional and contemporary styles that give the band their unique sound. A studied yet emotional player, Mario is restlessly creative and performs with the spirit this music demands.

Israel "Toto" Berriel

Toto wasborn in Matanzas and began his career at age 16. He joined Afrocuba in 1988,and in 1991, began singing with Los Muñequitos de Matanzas with whom he toured internationally. Toto and Los Muñequitos were part of the Grammy winning recording La Rumba Soy Yo in 2006. Residing in Canada since 2001, Toto continues to perform with Bomba and teach traditional, popular, and folkloric music in Canada and abroad.

Luis Orbegoso

Born in Lima, Peru, Luis has become an established name in Toronto’s music scene. Known for his percussion and vocal talents, "Luisito" draws from diverse styles including Cuban and his native Peruvian. Luis appeared on Bomba’s third recording, Entre Sol y Luz as featured vocalist and now he lends vocals once again on Cuatro Caminos. Luis has toured Canada and the UK with Bomba.

Want to find out more? Call (416) 972-0295 or email info@tridha.org.

This workshop is part of a larger event: the LulaWorld 2009 festival, a celebration of African, Latin and Indian music.