Orquesta Akokán

The glorious sounds of pre-revolutionary Havana turn the Gardens into a Cuban dance party when Orquesta Akokán arrives with the irresistible grooves of mambo, son montuno, guarachas, cha cha cha and boleros. Created by Chulo Records producer and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Plasse, arranger Michael Eckroth, and the great Cuban vocalist José “Pepito” Gomez, Akokán was born on a trip to Havana. With the savvy guidance of Irakere saxophonist César López, they assembled a brilliant cadre of American and Cuban players to celebrate and expand the mid-20th century sounds of Perez Prado, Beny Moré and Machito. Akokán, which means “from the heart” in Yoruban, gained international attention in 2018 when their eponymous Daptone Records release earned a Grammy nomination. The Orquesta has been on fire ever since with an incendiary 21st century take on the Cuban dance music that swept the world.

Host or Publisher Yerba Buena Gardens Festival