Madre Cumbia

Ancestral gaita flutes, hand drums, sabanero accordion and electric bass trace the evolution of Colombian cumbia in a multigenerational collaboration featuring Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, Fruko and Carmelo Torres. The concert takes place Friday, November 20  at the Miami Beach Bandshell and is presented by LPR. Developed as both a recording project and live performance, Madre Cumbia connects cumbia’s traditional Caribbean roots with the musicians who expanded its sound across generations.

Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto preserve the music of Colombia’s Caribbean coast through Indigenous gaita flutes, African-derived drums, maracas and oral tradition. Active since the mid-20th century, the ensemble received the 2007 Latin Grammy for Best Folk Album for Un Fuego de Sangre Pura.

Fruko, the bassist, producer and bandleader behind Fruko y Sus Tesos, helped establish the sound of modern Colombian salsa and tropical music. Accordionist Carmelo Torres carries forward the cumbia sabanera tradition he learned from Andrés Landero, performing with Bogotá trio Los Toscos, whose electric guitar, bass and percussion bring a contemporary edge to the rural style.

The concert is open to all ages.