Zandhunga fires up La Cabaña de Marcos this Saturday.
A surefire late-winter way to warm body, mind and spirit arrives like a tropical Latin American brisa — Zandhunga.
The band will not leave dance-party enthusiasts disappointed when it takes to the stage in the authentic atmosphere of La Cabaña de Marcos restaurant in Courtenay.
Currently based in the Comox Valley, Zandhunga operates under the direction of Mexican-born vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Oscar Robles Diaz. Zandhunga’s members hail from Mexico, Nicaragua, Colombia, Scotland and Canada.
The result is a truly multi-national orchestra that specializes in getting bodies moving with spicy salsas, cumbias, merengues, and more.
Lending to Latin music’s distinct and undeniable Afro influences, Zandhunga features African djembe drum in addition to multiple voices, trumpet, flugelhorn, keyboard, fretless bass and a full array of Latin percussion.
Under Robles’ direction, Zandhunga is noted for infusing its unique flavour into the classic and modern compositions of Latin greats such as Los Melodicos, Joe Arrollo, La India and Celia Cruz, among many others. The group’s performances are further generously topped with Robles’ fresh and energetic originals.
Zandhunga’s roots are in Mexico City, where the group formed as a quintet of four Mexicans and a Canadian. The five toured the West Coast of Canada in 2009, performing at festivals such as Cortes’ Carrington Bay, the Norviclas Latin Festival, and the Comox Valley Latin-Caribbean fest, where the group headlined with the now-disbanded Luzna Orchestra.
Fully loaded with a lineup of local talents, Zandhunga took to the stage at the Waverley Hotel for the first time last year, in a memorable show presented by Cumberland Village Works.
Los Zandhungueros say they are especially excited that the upcoming show at La Cabaña will be open to all ages.
“We don’t always get the opportunity to perform in all-ages venues,” says Robles. “In Mexico, and across Latin America, everybody knows the real celebratory fiestas are always about getting together with the whole family, often the whole neighbourhood, to enjoy lively music, dance and food.”
La Cabaña de Marcos is a fully licensed Mexican restaurant, located at the corner of Cliffe Avenue and 29th Street. The show begins at 9 p.m. There is a $10 cover charge, while children (under 12 years) get in for free.
For more information about Zandhunga and to check out audio and video samples, visit www.zandhunga.com.
For dinner reservations and more information about Zandhunga’s show, contact La Cabaña de Marcos at 250-703-2639 or visit www.lacabanademarcos.com.
— Zandhunga
