In association with the Latin Alternative Music Conference
Our Latin Thing
On one August evening in the 1970’s New York gave birth to a sound that would change the face of Latin music forever. At the renown Cheetah Nightclub, there was an ensemble of artists got together for what became a magical evening of music. The show was billed as “Our Latin Thing“. In the decades ahead those all-star musicians would become the ambassadors and juggernauts of Latin Music around the world. They became the musical reflection of the times, needs, and struggles of New York’s Latino community. Their music was “Salsa Gorda,” influenced by American Jazz, Soul, and Rock and Roll. Their music became part of Americana. Currently billed as “Our Latin Thing”, the group performs as an assortment of this music’s top hits. Having toured or shared the stage with artists such as Elvis Crespo, Victor Manuelle and El Gran Combo. In 2014 “Our Latin Thing” recorded 3 songs with Vicentico on his Platinum selling album titled “Ultimo Acto” which has gained worldwide notoriety.
DJ Afro
Born in Caracas, DJ Afro (aka José Luis Pardo) is a Brooklyn based Guitarist, DJ, composer and producer renowned as a founder of the Latin American band Los Amigos Invisibles. Grammy award winner and 6 times nominee, including song of the year in 2013 (La que me gusta), DJ Afro has made his mark in Latin American dance music. Through his studio recordings, remixes, compilation albums, mixtapes, podcasts, and live performances, he has amassed a stellar body of work rich with soul and flavor. With over 50 remixes under his belt, for a wide variety of musicians including The Beastie Boys, David Byrne, Devendra Banhart, Julieta Venegas, Natalia Lafourcade, and Basement Jaxx, Afro is always searching for new avenues of musical expression.