Latin Music Fest returns for its 17th annual run the day before Thanksgiving at the Majestic Theatre in downtown Madison, right before the holidays are in full swing.
The annual music festival brings local Latino musicians out for a night of dance and celebration. It recently changed hands to operate under Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development (LOUD) in the previous year, after its long-time host, Ricardo Gonzalez, sold the Cardinal Bar and retired. Now, under LOUD, its mission continues to bring Latin music to Madison.
“This is the second year LOUD is carrying the torch. We’re happy to continue the momentum and showcase these bands,” Oscar Mireles, founder of LOUD, told Madison365.
Four local acts will be featured at Latin Music Fest.
Rebulú Group combines a mix of classic Cuban conjunto — a large musical ensemble featuring a diverse array of instruments — with blends of Cuban, Puerto Rican, and African music, incorporating heavy elements of pop and rock.
Charanga Agozá will bring its charanga traditional Cuban dance music with an ensemble of flutes, violins, piano, bass and percussion.
Madison’s premier Latin music group, Group Candela, will hit the stage with its salsa classics, cha cha, merengue, bachata and cumbia.
Lastly, Latin Music Fest will feature DJ Francis Medrano, an internationally touring professional dancer, choreographer, entertainer, and Lundu Afrofit, founder of Black Power Dance. His unique sound combines Afro and Peruvian melodies.
This year will also honor multiple Madison Area Music Awards (MAMA) winner Angela Puerta, who leads a Madison-based Shakira tribute band “Hips Don’t Lie,” as Musician of the Year and Grupo Candela’s former singer and bandleader, Mario Mendoza, an attorney who is set to retire, with the Latin Music Legacy Award.
“Musicians oftentimes don’t get recognized for what they do,” Mireles said. “Angela has been with a number of bands and has a long history. She pioneered what’s called Rock and Espanol here in Madison and did some children’s shows for the [Overture Center’s] Kids in the Rotunda.”
Latin Music Fest will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at the Majestic, 115 King St. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the event will officially begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale.
A portion of the proceeds from Latin Music Fest will go towards Centro Hispano’s Lucía Núnez Becas Scholarship program to alleviate financial barriers for Latino students.
