Spanish Harlem Orchestra
A few years ago I got to see the SHO at the amazing Stern Grove festival in San Francisco. Stern Grove, which runs weekly in the summer, is typically a laidback picnic basket affair in the middle of a forested park south of the city. But this day I remember hundreds of people abandoning their checkerboard blankets in favor of an impromptu salsa dancefloor that was fashioned right by the stage.
Two years later and SHO have been nominated for a Grammy, and draw in big crowds wherever they go. This weekend they are playing 8 shows at the Blue Note in the village. Last night they were just in great form, clearly reveling in playing for a mostly hometown crowd. The swagger of the band is only matched by the magic that the 3 singers weave together.
If you have $15 and two hours to spare in the next couple of days, go embrace your latin side.
