Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Presents

Las Cafeteras

Acclaimed East L.A. band brings modern rhythms and rich storytelling to the Ordway this March

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Feb. 17, 2017) — The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is pleased to present a one-night-only performance by Las Cafeteras on Thursday, March 23 as part of the Ordway’s World Music & Dance Series sponsored by Target®. The event will include a dance floor and opening act Alma Andina. Tickets start at $27 and can be purchased online at www.ordway.org, by phone at 651-224-4222 or in person at the Ordway ticket office

Rooted in Son Jarocho music, Las Cafeteras seamlessly fuses traditional Afro-Caribbean music from Veracruz, Mexico with modern rhythms and lyrically rich storytelling to create a new urban folk sound from the streets of East Los Angeles. The members of the group take their inspiration from Mexican music, rock, roots, reggae, hip hop and Motown. The group’s sound is brought to life by their eclectic instrumentation, which includes a donkey jawbone (called a jaranas), a West African bass instrument (called a cajón) and a wooden dancing platform (called a zapateado).

Las Cafeteras have taken the music scene by storm with their infectious live performances and have crossed-genre and musical borders, playing with such iconic musicians as Lila Downs, Mexican icons Caifanes, Colombian superstar Juanes, Los Angeles legends Ozomatli, folk/indie favorites Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and, most recently, with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. With a contagious sound and great live performances, Las Cafeteras have been referred to as the Latino Mumford and Sons.

“I have deeply admired the music of Las Cafeteras and am thrilled that they are making their Minnesota debut at the Ordway,” said Dayna Martinez, Ordway’s artistic director of World Music & Dance. “Not only are they an extremely talented band, but they seamlessly intertwine important themes of social justice and hidden stories of migrant life in Los Angeles into their music. Their music is inspiring.”

The March 23 concert also includes an opening performance by local favorites Alma Andina. This Minnesota-based band combines electronic sounds with native instruments from South America, featuring the organic sound of the Andes Mountains. Cumbia has become their main style in their journey for world music and native instruments.

The Ordway’s World Music & Dance Series is sponsored by Target. For tickets and more information, visit www.ordway.org.

ABOUT THE ORDWAY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The Ordway is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading nonprofit performing arts centers and Saint Paul’s most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway’s Music Theater and Concert Hall attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordway’s mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Children’s Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve more than 50,000 students annually. Together with Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and The Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances. For more information, visit www.ordway.org.