For close to 30 years, Latin music has made extraordinary inroads in Canadian mainstream music.
Grammy Award recipient Alex Cuba has defined expectations with his distinctive Cuban melodies and rhythms, while the Juno-winning musical duo, OKAN, has mastered blending diverse Latin styles with contemporary 21st century language.
The fourth annual St. Albert Latin Music Festival is poised for a bigger and better comeback at Lions Park on Saturday, Aug. 17. It hosts an unprecedented 30 musical acts, two confirmed food trucks and 13 vendors peddling Latin arts and crafts, paintings, jewelry, Mexican ethnic clothing, chocolates and handcrafted pet accessories, to name a few.
Most importantly, throughout its short history the festival has evolved into a prominent platform for regional Latin singer-songwriter-musicians. In the festival’s early years, many invited performers donated their time to create a festival built with a zero budget.
In doing so, St. Albert Latin Cultural Association's festival organizers tapped into a hungry market from both artists and audience.
“This festival is growing so fast," SALCA executive director Jorge Vargas said. "I had to turn down artists this year. We are so excited. This year we have new vendors and new artists. It’s going to be something we are really proud of.”
“We feel very strong about this year’s lineup. Other than Calgary, there is no other city in Alberta that would have this number and calibre of Latin artists ... as the St. Albert Latin Festival will have.”
Opening the festival at noon is Rodrigo Sosa Trio, a small ensemble that fuses vibrant traditional Latin rhythms with cool jazz influences. Returning artists also include Marco Claveria Project, Mariachi Mundo Trio and St. Albert’s Cristian De La Luna.
“Cristian will be singing new songs. He’s been super active, not only in Edmonton, but internationally. He just came back from Mexico. He’s always touring and it was an honour to have him,” Vargas said.
On the dance side, there are several groups representing different countries. Oscar-Jose and Judith Garcia are back with a Spanish flamenco dance performance. Grupo De Danza Folklorico bring to life Chilean folk dances, and Ballet Folklórico de México represent its namesake.
In this perfect storm of cultures, 10 new acts have been added to the bill. Although established in Edmonton as a cultural ambassador, Venezuelan Dance Group has never performed at the festival. It presents two shows.
“With the volatile political situation in Venezuela, it is so wonderful when artists can express their art and culture. We so look forward to having them represent their culture, although they will not be carrying a political flag,” Vargas said.
Another fresh face is Mexican singer Lupita.
“She has a mariachi style of singing. She has a very powerful voice. It’s almost lyrical, similar to an opera style. Mariachi singers need to have five ranges, and this is her opportunity to demonstrate what she can do.”
First-timers Impacto Colombiano Dance Group is a small crew who will introduce the cumbia, Columbia’s national dance, in addition to a few other styles.
The Angelitos, a six-piece regional band with vocalist, guitar, bass, timbales and congas, are new to the scene. Their forte is tropical rhythms of salsa, merengue and cumbia.
“In the last five years, there’s been a monopoly with certain bands who get all the gigs. Angelitos want to make a name for themselves, and we are happy to present them.”
In contrast, Chilean six-piece band, Newen, swings towards Latin rock. Newen is a word from the Mapuche language that means “strength” in English, said Vargas.
“They play covers of Latin rock involved in social issues. Most of their songs are about social-political issues. They’re into singing about Indigenous people and how they are treated, especially in Latin America.”
As well, JemSyd promotes reggaeton and its impact on Latin culture.
“It’s a new style – what the new generation of Latinos are dancing to. Everything is sexually implicit. It’s like rap and hip-hop with a Latin touch,” Vargas said.
The Pan American Highway will cater to fans of Latin blues, pop and rock.
"They’re a five-piece band and they’re very dynamic, and they’re making an impact in Edmonton and Calgary. If you like Latin rock, you will identify with this band,” Vargas said.
While the bands take a siesta, Orlando, a popular Edmonton dance instructor, will give the crowd a salsa dance lesson.
“In the Latin community we all know Orlando, because he is so dynamic. If he’s in front of you, he will have you dancing in five minutes.”
Following Orlando’s dance lesson, professional dancers Avideh Parent and Shane will demonstrate the beauty of a salsa dance.
Closing the concert is La Orquesta Son Romero, a 12-piece sensation that presents a fresh, vibrant take on salsa, merengue and cumbia.
“What they have is incredible. They have musicians from all over South America and they all contribute different influences.”
Additionally, the Red Cross will host a booth accepting monetary donations for Jasper wildfire victims.
The festival team is small and anyone who wishes to volunteer their time during the festival can email [email protected].
The free festival starts at noon and runs until 9:30 p.m. at Lions Park, Sir Winston Churchill Ave.
