*Due to complications with visas, Septeto Santiaguero recently cancelled their 2019 US tour, including their performance at SMF’s 2019 Latin Dance Party. They will be replaced by the powerhouse Puerto Rican dance band, Plena Libre.

 
Under the direction of bassist Gary Nuñez, Plena Libre’s music is built on the Puerto Rican drum and dance traditions of plena and bomba–both lively call and response forms that move people to dance. Unlike most salsa bands, which often have only two singers, Plena Libre features five vocalists singing in powerful three and four-part harmonies, and they are backed by percussion, bass, keyboards and horns. The ensemble has captivated audiences around the globe for more than 20 years, having received four recent Grammy nominations. Their last SMF performance was in 2007 at a jam-packed Orleans Hall.  


“The biggest band to play plena… Plena Libre knows the tradition but aren’t afraid to draw upon stuff from outside the genre to keep it fresh.” Village Voice