Get ready for the fiery sounds and irresistible grooves of Cuban timba.
You'll warm up with vintage Cuban tunes from Ran Kan Kan, before going wild with Eliane Correa & La Evolución Orchestra.
The ticket price includes a free salsa class with Oxford Salsa Society. The bar will be open (ID will be required to purchase alcohol). Please note that under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. The venue is standing room only.
Only one bag per person is allowed at the venue. Maximum dimensions A4 size (Height: 29.7cm, width: 21cm, depth: 15cm).
6pm Salsa class with Oxford Salsa Society
7.15pm Ran Kan Kan + Eliane Correa & La Evolución Orchestra
Eliane Correa & La Evolución Orchestra is a fresh, high-energy Cuban timba fusion orchestra, made up of leading Cuban and Latin musicians from the UK and Europe. Finely detailed arrangements are underpinned by strong, danceable grooves to get you moving. The music has nods to soul, funk and modern jazz. This unique fusion spilling out of the Cuban sound towards the world has found a place in salsa, jazz and “world music” festivals alike.
The band is led by pianist and composer Eliane Correa, while the lead singers are the legendary Yadira Ferrer, based in Barcelona, and Dunia Corre (originally from Havana). It's rare and special to find a mixed gender timba band led and fronted by women. Correa's lyrics highlight the female experience from a perspective of celebration, liberation and empowerment.
The band recently completed a residency at Ronnie Scott's jazz club. They've also performed at top UK festivals, including headlining Glastonbury's Glasto Latino stage. In 2022 they released their first album, Signo de Fuego (Sign of Fire), collaborating with international Cuban music stars.
Ran Kan Kan
Ran Kan Kan is an Oxford-based 20-piece big band playing music from the golden years of Cuban dance bands (made famous by Buena Vista Social Club). The group was formed by jazz musicians in Oxford after a Cuban music workshop, and has a growing local following. They inspire audiences to dance the night away at venues and festivals including The Old Fire Station and Cowley Road Carnival. Their repertoire includes funky mambos, son montuno, and bolero – styles which preceded salsa and fed into its development. Lead singers Karla Pena and Melisa Akdogan are joined by a luxurious collection of flutes, saxes, trumpets and trombones, while the "super-hot" six-piece rhythm section plays syncopated Latin rhythms.
Accessibility
The venue is wheelchair accessible and there is an accessible toilet. This is a standing venue, but please get in touch with sofia@ocmevents.org if you require seating or have other access needs. If you require the assistance of a carer, please email access@o2academyoxford.co.uk and Florence or Oliver will arrange a free carer ticket for them.
Co-promoted by OCM, ¡Muevete! and Oxford Salsa Society.
