By ROBIN LLOYD
Cuban Chemistry will sizzle at Seattle's Century BallroomSaturday night, December 8. The musical chemistry between Cuban cuatro master Kiki Valera, popular Cuban vocalist Coco Freeman, and award-winning vocalist and songwriter Carlos Cascante will be impossible to resist, and there will even be a dance lesson before the show, in case you need to brush up on your fancy steps.
A native of Santiago de Cuba, Kiki Valera comes from a long line and large family of Cuban traditional musicians. He is considered one of the world's greatest players of the Cuban cuatro. Kiki has several musical projects in Seattle and works with many of the area's best musicians.
Also from Santiago de Cuba, Coco Freeman has been singing since he was a child, easily learning all the songs he heard on the radio. Moving to Havana brought him opportunites to perform with the popular bands of Adalberto Álvarez and José Luis Cortés. He's best known for his work with the highly acclaimed NG La Banda.
Vocalist and songwriter Carlos Cascante came to the Pacific Northwest from Costa Rica, and in Seattle formed his own band Carlos Cascante y su Tumbao. He's worked with the Pacfic Mambo Orchestra in San Francisco, and he's a beloved member of the Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra.
The rest of the band for this night of sparkling Cuban Chemistry includes bassist Yanill Nario, Pedro Vargas on congas, Steve Guasch on bongos, Alfredo Polier on maracas and guitarist Javier Marú.