WJF presents PALO!
Saturday, April 7, 7:30 pm at the Roadhouse Events Center
Latin Jazz Dance Party starring Miami-based PALO! and its festive Cuban funk, which has earned the band Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations. Concert sponsored by Perfekta Inc., and also supported by the Kansas chapter of the Percussive Arts Society
PALO! was nominated for a Grammy and a Latin Grammy for their album PALO! Live. They perform their own style of Tropical music they call “Afro-Cuban Funk”. Just think “funky, jazzed-up salsa”. Or better yet, listen to some of their music on gopalo.com. The group’s unique, danceable sound blends the allure of Cuban music with funky beats and jazzy improvisation.
The New York Post proclaims “Afro-Cuban Funk is Cuban music for the new generation. And the leader of the sound is the Miami based band PALO!”
PALO! began in 2003. That’s when producer/pianist Steve Roitstein (Celia Cruz, Willy Chirino, Tito Puente, Cheo Feliciano, Oscar d’ Leon) invited his fellow musicians to join him in an improvised musical experiment combining Cuban music with funk beats. PALO!’s catchy original songs feature the sultry vocals of Latin Grammy-nominated Leslie Cartaya. The scorching percussion and vocals of Philbert Armenteros (congas) and Raymer Olalde (timbales) punctuate the performances with Cuban fire. Steve Roitstein fuses these elements with a foundation of edgy, unforgettable rhythms. PALO! features renowned virtuoso saxophonist David Palma.
The band has performed for packed houses and festivals in major cities in North America, Latin America and Europe. Their third album Yo Quiero Guarachar features the single “Al Monte”. As of this writing the song has received over two million video views. PALO! currently enjoys high-profile residencies in Miami’s Ball & Chain and The Surfcomber Hotel in Miami Beach. Recent tours have brought them to Colombia, The Dominican Republic, The Canary Islands, Curacao, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Providence RI, Tampa, Paris, Luxembourg, Belgium, The Netherlands, and the prestigious Tempo Latino Festival in France, where they were named “Padrinos” of the Festival and Best New Artist, 2016.