Charanga on Brant Street

Bela Kussin and Warren Harris moving to the sounds of Charanga Carolina

Charanga Carolina was literally standing by as I arrived at NCCU's Culture Shock Festival, a little after 6 pm on Tuesday. Things were running comfortably late, as the sun cast long shadows across the dancefloor on Brant Street. Around 6:30, they kicked off their set with "Estoy Como Nunca." "Cayuco" and a medley of "Boranda" and "Isla del Encanto" were among the tunes that followed, and the show ended with "Ahi Na' Ma." A small but dedicated group of dancers made the most of Tuesday's windfall.

There are only two more opportunities to hear Charanga Carolina before the end of the semester (and summer hiatus): Saturday, April 24 at the World Music Concert at UNC, and Sunday, April 25 at the NC Museum of Art's Grand Opening Festival. Both events are free.


Buzz: Vocalist/percussionist Nelson Delgado told me he recently purchased a set of vibes, and is brushing up his skills in jazz improvisation. Can't wait to hear his vibes debut with a local Latin band one of these days!