Directed by Rene Avila, “Charangueo”, is the only band in the Midwest that plays this traditional music from the famous 40’s, and 50’s, which came from Cuba, and 60’s and 70’s which is considered “The New York” style. This ensemble plays a wide range of Afro-Cuban Jazz styles, from Cha-Cha-Cha, Guaguanco, Danzon, Guajira, Guaracha, Mambo, and Son.

Charanga is an ensemble that came out of Cuba featuring the unique sound of the French flute and violins. The Cuban Charanga ensemble came from eastern Cuba and became famous in the 1940’s and 50’s. In the space of 120 years, the modern Charanga was born by adding elements of Africa, Spain, and Cuba, transforming it into an electric mix of cultures and one of the world’s most exciting dance genres.

The sweetest and most elegant of all Cuban dance music is made by groups called Charangas. The Charanga orchestra is made up of a flute (traditionally one made of wood with five keys, but the Boehm system flute is also used), violins, piano, double bass, timbales and güiro. The Charanga can also include singers and congas. The Charangas are indigenous to Cuba. Traditional Charangas mainly play the styles of danzón, chachachá and mambo.Charanga music is composed and carefully arranged music with a strong rhythmic emphasis (the African and Spanish influence) which also incorporates improvisation within its structure; it is thus both a highly structured and spontaneous music form.

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