Conjunto Guantánamo

Conjunto Guantánamo - Ambassadors of Cuban Folklore℠ - have arrived with a freshly interpreted, classic Afro-Cuban sound. Lively percussion, pounding syncopated bass lines, exotic trumpet melodies, uninhibited improvisation and the sultry, dynamic lead vocal of José Pepito Gomez positively scorch in a variety of vintage and original compositions. Conjunto Guantánamo's soulful sound is layered with authentic Cuban swing and sophisticated influences like "El Barbaro" Benny Moré, Arsenio Rodriguez, Roberto Faz, Miguelito Cuní and Cachao. They're often compared to Buena Vista Social Club as their 'sound-alike' band. Their performances sometimes transition into extended experimental Afro-Cuban improvisational jam sessions called a 'descarga.' The band inspires thousands of fans worldwide to swivel their hips in the name of Latin passion. Since Conjunto Guantánamo was founded in 2003, they’ve performed at festivals, dance parties, events and venues as diverse as ▪ North Carolina Folk Festival ▪ Richmond Folk Festival ▪ Lincoln Center’s Boro-Linc: La Casita ▪ What a Wonderfull World Anniversary Festival with the Louis Armstrong House Museum ▪ The Gantries summer series ▪ Lowell Folk Festival ▪ The Museum of Modern Art Founder Ulises Beato (director, conga, vocals) along with José Pepito Gomez (vocals, guitar, tres), Carlos Mena (bass, Vocals), Ittetsu Nasuda (piano), Oscar Oñoz (trumpet) and Hector Torres (bongo) are the celebrated musicians who create this unique sound.