Originally from East of the Los Angeles River, band members for Las Cafeteras include vocalists Denise Carlos and Hector Flores,and drummer Jose Guadalupe Cruz Cano. Each member also plays a variety of other instruments, bringing into the mix the cajon, jarana termers, zapateado, jarana primera, glockenspiel, requito, the quijada, and the tarima.
However, it is not just the instruments that take inspiration from cultures all around the world, but the lyrics as well. The band sings in multiple languages, including English and Spanish. According to the band’s website, they also sing in:
“…Spanglish, Love and Justice ... and believe everyone understands at least one of those languages.”
Las Cafeteras uses Afro-Mexican rhythms, mixing traditional sounds with modern, electronic sensibilities. Their music spans a variety of genres, including rock, hip-hop, and folk music. The band has performed with the likes of Common, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, the Gypsy Kings and more. The band’s current tour is touching on cities all over California and the Midwest.
Music concerts like these may choose to use poster printing for low-cost promotion.
Las Cafeteras’ performance is on Saturday, March 15 at 3:00 pm at the Art Kamanger Center at the Merced Theatre on 301 W Main Street. Tickets can be purchased online and are $15 for general admission, or free for students.