Fiesta Fusion

DLA and Rhythms present three cutting-edge artists from the UK Latin music scene

alasVALS

From the tropical lowlands of Northen South America to the urban landscapes of Buenos Aires and East London. Kicking off the night, Argentinian folktronica collective alasVALS brings its atmospheric, experimental pop vision to an intimate live space, toting a sound that mingles tango, trip hop, jazz and poetry. Combining English and Spanish lyrics, their songs have been described as nostalgic and wintry, and will appeal to fans of Portishead, Bjork or Regina Spektor.

AFRO-AMERICA PROJECT

Second up is the stunning Afro-Venezuelan rhythms outfit Afro-America Project, featuring master percussionist Wilmer Sifontes and some of his ultra-talented students. Sifontes has played some of the most prestigious international festivals around the world, including Womad, Glastonbury, the North Sea Jazz Festival, Bath International Festival (UK), and the Kijanii Festival in Nairobi.

Established as one of the UK's leading Latin percussionists, Sifontes was invited by renowned Scottish band Salsa Celtica to join them on their 2007 and 2008 UK and international tours, and continues to attract international acclaim.

KHANTARA

Heading up the bill is the mesmerising Colombian Roots act Khantara featuring multi-instrumentalist and composer Anthar Kharana. Fusing Arabic & Gypsy influences with the richness and power of his Colombian roots, Anthar has mastered different vocal techniques from mellow female voice to harmonic Mongolian throat singing.

His new five piece band harnesses the traditional Colombian sounds of the gaita and traverse flutes, tambores and cajon drums and the bouzouki mandolin, creating a powerful rhythmic soundscape.

DJ's

Book-ending the night will be a selection of short Argentinian films from the Discovering Latin America Film Festival, along with sets from top DJs Brazilian D. Vyzor, DJ Angelo and our very own Cal Jader from the UK playing the finest Latin beats and rhythms.

The second event from DLA and Rhythms for 2009, Fiesta Fusion will set the tone for plenty more to come in 2010. Profits from the night will go towards supporting the work of the charity Progressio in their work helping women affected by HIV and AIDS in the Dominican Republic.

The line-up

• Live Bands:
• Argentina: alasVALS
• Venezuela: Afro-America Project
• Colombia: Khantara
• Argentinean Shorts: Special selection courtesy of DLAFF
• DJ: D. Vyzor (Brazil), DJ Angelo (Cuba), Cal Jader (UK)
• Tickets: £7 in advance, £8 on the door
  Buy online via TicketWeb
  
• Venue: Cargo, 83 Rivington Street, London EC2A 3AY
  
• Date: Wednesday 9th December
• Time: 7pm onwards
• Tubes: Old Street / Liverpool Street (Plan your journey)