Afro-Cuban and West African Dance Grooves

🌺 AFRO-CUBAN AND WEST AFRICAN DANCE GROOVES @ BAR OUSSOU! 🌺

We are in for a treat this 10th of November – Four world class performers and master-musicians all in the same place at the same time! 🙌🌍

We are pleased to announce that Cuban master drummer Juan Carlos Allende will team up with master percussionist Ray Pereira to present a program of traditional rhythms from Cuba and West Africa. Joining them are percussionist Lucky Pereira, and Julien Wilson on percussion and sax. 🌶🌺

This is a special one off only event. Make sure you get in early for this one, and don’t miss out! ❤️

JUAN CARLOS ALLENDE: 🪘

Juan Carlos Allende hails from Cuba, where he completed his education as percussion instrumentalist and teacher at the Cuban Institute of Higher Education for the Arts. His career spans more than 30 years and four continents, excelling in performing many instruments from cultures around the world and genres that include classical music and popular traditional rhythms just to mention some. Professor Allende has taught in conservatories around the world and has lead workshops of AfroCuban music, one of his specialties, at the international level. He has, and continues to tour internationally with many renowned artists and bands. 🙏

RAY PEREIRA: 🪘

Ray’s has established his reputation as one of Australia’s leading performers and teachers of African and Afro Cuban rhythms and styles.As a percussionist specialising in African and Afro Cuban percussion, and now his new concept Afro Lankan drumming, Ray’s journey has covered continents and decades. He is a current and practising musician who chooses to expand his repertoire and knowledge by continuing to study and play with the best musicians in the world. 🌍

Ray has studied extensively in Africa, Cuba, New York and Sri Lanka, with musicians who are regarded by their peers as among the best in the world. Ray continues to travel regularly for performances and to keep expanding his knowledge.

LUCKY PEREIRA: 🪘

Lucky is an accomplished drummer and percussionist who has studied in Ghana, Sri Lanka and Cuba with traditional masters in addition to studying with Ray. Lucky is an in-demand session musician and producer.

Lucky has performed at major music festivals Meredith, Melbourne International Jazz Festival and Strawberry Fields, and has also toured Japan, Europe and Asia performing at major festivals and concerts.

JULIEN WILSON: 🎷

For nearly three decades Julien has been an exciting and integral member of the Australian Jazz Scene. His tenor saxophone style can cover an incredibly broad stylistic and emotional range and is featured on over 80 albums. 💿

Julien has received a number of prestigious awards, both personally and as an integral member of a variety of critically acclaimed co-operative bands. In 2013 he formed Lionsharecords to release and distribute his own recordings. His work with the label was recognised by the 2015 APRA Art Music Award for EXCELLENCE IN JAZZ.