Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2010

Courtesy of Tiempo Iberoamericano

Cuban powerhouse Los Van Van warm up for next weekend’s Isla de Salsa festival in Fukuoka with a set at bayside Studio Coast. Founded by bassist Juan Formell but now under the baton of his son, drummer Samuel, Los Van Van have been one of Cuba’s top attractions for 40 years. The group was the first to blend the native music of the Caribbean with rock, jazz and electronic instrumentation, creating a sound known as “songo.” Los Van Van’s last tour through Asia—including a spot at the Tokyo Jazz fest—attracted over 17,000 fans; the current tour winds up at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Aug 3, 6:30pm, ¥6,800. Studio Coast, Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525.