Flushing Town Hall presents: Grupo Rebolu, an afternoon of dance and music for the whole family!
Audiences across Europe and North America have been unable resist the urge to jump up and dance along. Grupo Rebolu’s past shows have included dates at Lincoln Center, Montana Folk Fest, Richmond Folk Fest, VA National Folk Fest, Montreux Jazz Fest, The Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, and SXSW.
The Flushing Town Hall performance on August 5 will begin with a 3:00 PM dance workshop led by KFSD’s dance director and choreographer Karla Florez. Attendees will learn the popular rhythms of Puya, Chandé, and Cumbia with her method “We are Cumbia, We are family.” The interactive dance workshop will also feature dancers Valeria Olaya-Florez, Valentina Olaya-Florez, Danny Acosta, and Fewis Pacheco.
At 4:30 PM, Grupo Rebolu’s concert will invite audience members to put their new dance moves to the test as they enjoy an infectious battery of percussion, commanding gaita flute melodies, and beautiful vocal stylings.
For a flavor of what to expect, sample the band’s Mi Herencia album, which Songlines ranked among the 10 Best New Albums From Around the World (July 2022). The album also peaked at number 28 on Transglobal World Music Chart’s Top 40 List (July 2022)”.
Meet GRUPO REBOLU or REBOLU Ronald Polo – Lead vocal/gaita Morris Cañate – Tambor alegre and congas, percusion Johanna Castañeda – backup vocals and minor percussion Ramiro Marziani – Guitar Alex Ramirez– Tenor saxophone Erica Parra – Drums Scotty Otten – Trumpet Diego Alzate - Bass
About the Band
Is an Afro-Colombian musical ensemble comprised of some of the finest Colombian musicians in the United States. The group was created from the desire of Ronald Polo, (vocalist/composer/gaitero), Moris Canate, (master folkloric percussionist), and later on Johanna Castaneda (Vocalist/musician) and Erica "Kika" Parra, (Drummer) to promote the rich musical traditions of their ancestors; the afro-descendants of Colombia's Caribbean coast. They believe that these folkloric traditions should continually evolve over time and with the ideas of new generations of folklorists. This belief is surely reflected in their music.
The original compositions of Ronald Polo forge new paths for Colombian music while respectfully remaining faithful to its ancestral roots. In the process, they create a truly unique musical and cultural experience. From traditional songs to original compositions, the entirely of Rebolu's repertoire is loaded with energy, history and danceability. Their unique reinterpretations of traditional Afro-Colombian rhythms such as Gaita, Tambora, Chalupa and Bullerengue, among others, make it extremely well suited for festivals, concerts, cultural events and more music venues.