What’s also happening?
19 May, 2026Since my last foray into forthcoming events (in mid March), a few more interesting concert announcements have come my way. They’re all in and around London, so apologies to anyone like me who lives a long way from the metropolis.
Como No addenda
Since last time, there’s now the enticing prospect of celebrating Mexican Independence Day with Mexican Institute of Sound (+ DJ Gypsy Box) at the Jazz Café on the 11th September. Barely an article goes by, it seems, without mention of Camilo Lara, to give the Grammy-winning pioneer of Mexican electronica his natal name, and he’ll be playing with his full band, so it should be quite a show. You can find out more and get yer loverly tickets here.
And then, on the 27th October, Jorge Drexler will be appearing at the Roundhouse with a 7-piece band to present his latest album, TARACÁ. Candombe rhythms a-go-go.
Live at Ronnie Scott’s
Among the many concerts designed to reach the parts of jazz lovers that other shows can’t, here are some of particular interest to the Latin in-crowd. The Panama-born drum virtuoso Billy Cobham will appear with the Guy Barker big band on Thursday, 11th June. Two shows are scheduled: 5.30 and 8.30pm. You may need a small mortgage, but tickets and information can be found here.
The following day, Moyses Dos Santos appears for two shows at the same times. The Brazilian bassist and composer relocated from São Paulo to London back in the noughties. Since then, he’s performed with a host of golden artist(e)s, including Azymuth, whose sound his own brand of jazz, funk and native Brazilian music probably most resembles. He’ll be launching his new album (on Far Out Recordings), Maria.
Meanwhile, Upstairs at Ronnie’s, there are several shows of note for Latin lovers. There are more versions of the Viva Cuba Late Late Show on Friday nights during June and July at 11.15pm, celebrating Cuba, its culture and its music courtesy of a whole range of bands. The Venezuelan-born jazz pianist Benito Gonzales appears with his trio on the 9th June; French composer and pianist Adrien Brandeis appears with a quartet featuring the splendid Cuban percussionist Abraham Mansfarroll on the 11th June; and the London-based Buena Vista Live will treat audiences to some authentic traditional Cuban music on two afternoons and evenings, on Sunday, 19th July and Sunday, 20th September.
The bassist and percussionist are different, but here’s a taste of what you can expect from the Adrien Brandeis quartet.
That’s all for now, folks. Be there, or be distinctly square.
Follow Sounds and Colours: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Mixcloud / Soundcloud / Bandcamp
Subscribe to the Sounds and Colours Newsletter for regular updates, news and competitions bringing the best of Latin American culture direct to your Inbox.