Ke lo Ke is a contemporary Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble dedicated to exploring and honouring Cuba’s rich musical lineage — from traditional roots to modern innovation — performed by an international collective of accomplished jazz and Latin musicians.
Drawing inspiration from seminal Cuban artists, including: Celia Cruz, Irakere, Buena Vista Social Club, Juan Formell and Los Van Van, Afro-Cuban All Stars, and Alexander Abreu y Habana D’ Primera, Ke lo Ke’s sound sits firmly within the Afro-Cuban tradition while embracing the harmonic language, improvisation and rhythmic sophistication of modern jazz. Influences from leading Afro-Latin jazz figures such as Poncho Sanchez
further inform the band’s dynamic, groove-driven approach.
The ensemble is led by Isbert Ramos Mediaceja — known as ‘Vivio’ — a pioneering figure in the development of Cuban music and dance in Aotearoa New Zealand. Vivio brings together a seasoned line-up of musicians whose backgrounds span jazz, Afro-Cuban, and Latin American traditions. The band features Chilean vocalist Marcelo Valencia; Colombian vocalist Tatiana Jimenez; Chilean conguero Edwin Westermeier; Chilean
drummer Ignacio Valencia; Scottish saxophonist Pete France; New Zealanders’ Karl Benton (piano), Alex Griffiths (bass), and Mike Booth (trumpet).
Ke lo Ke has appeared at the National Jazz Festival, Kerikeri Jazz Festival, SkyCity Auckland, Ponsonby Social Club, Salsa Tumbao Festival and Crown Range Lounge, among others, earning a reputation for performances that balance deep rhythmic authenticity with expansive improvisation and high-level ensemble interplay.
This is Afro-Cuban jazz with authority, vitality and soul — music that speaks equally to the
dancer, the listener and the serious jazz devotee.
More information:
https://www.facebook.com/KeloKeBand
Members $15 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.
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