writing - visual - misc - huh?
you get what you expect with this sort of thing. lots of dancing and hand-clapping and good times. they are excellent entertainers, who understand how to draw the audience into the show. perhaps performers everywhere have the same problem getting the audience up and shaking, but vancouver seems especially staid. it’s not that they didn’t appreciate the show – vancouverites are generally effusive with their applause/standing ovations. it’s that people here are difficult to get physically into the music. they tend to stand or sit still, maybe going as far as some head-nodding. i don’t know if it is that vancouver’s venues are not dance friendly (one exception is the commodore), or that vancouverites are too timid in their opinions to show that they appreciate something for fear of potentially being uncool.
the sound was quality, and it really felt like i was listening to a recording initially. overall, the all stars reminded me of the brass soaked sound of stan kenton (think cuban fire). this might be completely misleading, but that’s what their performance brought to mind.
the eldest member of the ensemble was the big highlight of the show. he came on stage feigning a bad back and then busted into some suave moves. he also brought a young lady from the audience to dance with him for a while. not bad for an 80 year old.
the other high points were the two singers (i can't recall their names, and i'm having a hell of a time finding good info online). these guys got the crowd out of their seats (after much cajoling) and gave the show its energy. the ensemble tied it together perfectly, keeping a steady rhythm and looking like they were having as much fun as the audience. the percussionists really shined, as well, and enjoyed a short solo during the encore section of the show.
as a whole, the 17 piece ensemble displayed their considerable skills (seemingly) effortlessly. everyone seemed to enjoy the show, and the all-stars deserved the heavy applause.
the u.s. presidential debate on the tv tonight is a reminder that now, more than ever, is a time to support cuban artists coming to canada.
show at the chan centre, vancouver, sept 24, 2004
{September 30, 2004 08:41 PM}