A high-energy First Friday dance party featuring La Onda, blending Afrobeat, ska, reggae, Ethiopian jazz, and New Orleans grooves through a vibrant, improvisational jazz lens.
La Onda is a vibrant world music ensemble that brings global rhythms to life through a jazz-inspired, improvisational approach that’s deeply rooted in groove and movement. Drawing from Afrobeat, ska, Ethiopian jazz, reggae, and New Orleans–style jazz, the band reinterprets music by artists such as Fela Kuti, The Skatalites, Mulatu Astatke, and Ernest Ranglin by presenting strong melodies and infectious rhythms that open up into expressive solos. The result is music that feels both familiar ... view more »
La Onda is a vibrant world music ensemble that brings global rhythms to life through a jazz-inspired, improvisational approach that’s deeply rooted in groove and movement. Drawing from Afrobeat, ska, Ethiopian jazz, reggae, and New Orleans–style jazz, the band reinterprets music by artists such as Fela Kuti, The Skatalites, Mulatu Astatke, and Ernest Ranglin by presenting strong melodies and infectious rhythms that open up into expressive solos. The result is music that feels both familiar and fresh—soulful, rhythm-forward, and made for dancing.
The group features Lincoln Andrews on electric bass, anchoring the music with deep, driving grooves; Carlos Hernandez on trumpet, adding bold melodies and dynamic improvisation; Loren Gilmore on saxophone, bringing energy and lyrical phrasing; Jay Costa on guitar, blending rhythmic pulse with melodic color; Mario Vela on percussion, layering in global textures; and Gabriel Yanez on drums, whose versatility and power tie it all together. Together, the band creates an immersive, celebratory experience that invites listeners to move, connect, and explore music from around the world in a lively, communal setting.
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