The Triangle's newest Latin dance band makes its debut this weekend: Orquesta K'Che is the brainchild of percussionist/leader Billy Marrero, and Andres Leon, pianist and musical director.
Some fresh faces, and familiar echoes from bands of yore, fill out K'Che's ranks. The band is guitar-heavy with bassist Levy Vargas (of Latin rock band Razpa) playing an electric axe, and backing vocalist Nelson Rodriguez, of long-lost son band La Sexta Clave, sporting his tres in band photos. Horns include newcomers Channing McCullough (sax) and Matthew Parunak (trombone), as well as Samecumba veteran William Villalba (trumpet). Jaime Roman (Charanga Carolina, Orquesta GarDel) sings lead, and the rhythm section includes Pako Santiago (Carnavalito, Charanga Carolina). Countries of origin represented include Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Dominican Republic.
The band's strategy for building their own niche in the salsa scene is twofold, says musical director Leon. First and foremost: they aim to be an all-purpose dance band. That means rocking the cumbia, merengue, cha cha chá, etc. AND salsa, rather than specializing in one genre. Second: by selecting classic charts to cover that no other band in the area is doing, they bring variety to the scene.
First night to catch them live is this Friday (3/11) at Carmen's Cuban Cafe in Morrisville; doors open at 10, band at 11:30, admission $10.
Facebook Event Page: Salsa Brava with Live Performance by Orquesta K'Che, Friday March 11
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1 comment:
Channing and Matthew are both graduates of the UNC music program. I was in big band with both for some years, this was the same time that Charanga was getting off the ground. So, salsa was in the air. Really glad the scene is widening!
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