Orquesta Caribe brought its fiery non-stop Latin dance party sounds to Island Park on July 11th. Their music was the perfect soundtrack to a fun, festive and sultry summer night in the beautiful downtown park. The annual event put on by WVPE was well attended by a large and diverse mix of listeners and dancers, old fans and curious newcomers alike. Spirited music as large as life itself filled the air as the band delivered an impressive and varied set of Latin grooves. Those in attendance seemed to enjoy the passionate and remarkably tight musicianship of this ensemble.

            The event also included fun and engaging dance lessons for those new to the rich and varied traditions of Latin dance. The unusual above the band dance floor was filled with throngs of enthusiastic dancers learning to bust a variety of new moves. There was also an impressive dance contest with some remarkably seasoned salsa aficionados putting on an incredible display of dance artistry. It was the perfect compliment to a wonderful performance from one of Michiana’s best bands.

             Orquesta Caribe is a 12 piece pan-Latin ensemble that breaks the mold of traditional Latin bands by playing a variety of different regional styles in their performances. Authentically executed musical forms such as Salsa, Merengue, and Cumbia representing the sounds of Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, can all be heard in a single set from the band. Orquesta Caribe consists of a dynamic mix of musicians with varied backgrounds who have all brought their own flavor into the project. James Riley, the bands Timbalero(timbale player) cites Tito Puente, Poncho Sanchez, Ray Barretto, Eddie Palmieri, and Joe Arroyo as musical inspirations for the band.

            Orquesta Caribe has been around in various forms under different names for several years. The present and most solid line up has been together since 2005. The current stability has helped build a passionate following that is as much a part of the fun as the band is. An enthusiastic crowd of skilled dancers has shown up to heat up the dance floor at each Orquesta Caribe performance I have seen. The event in Island Park was no different. This is a band that truly gets the audience involved in the music. If you like to dance and enjoy authentic Latin music you owe it to yourself to seek out the backyard musical treasure that is Orquesta Caribe. 

              Lansing based Organ jazz trio Organissimo recently brought their fun, funky, and fired up jazz grooves to the Trio’s stage and a crowded house of appreciative listeners. Following in the footsteps of pioneers like Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Charles Earland, Richard Groove Holmes, and Jimmy McGriff, this group is carrying the organ jazz torch into the new millennium. While not as over the top intense as contemporaries Soulive and Medeski, Martin, and Wood, Organissimo still offered a fresh and contemporary approach to the jazz tradition. Polished musicianship and eclectic compositions made for an entertaining night of unpredictable music. The group fluidly covered a range of jazz styles including funky soul jazz, driving hard bop, spicy Latin jazz, and even a beautiful Gospel number. The diversity of the music presented was testament to the wetsuit tightness of the group.

Organissimo is comprised of three dynamic members. Jim Alfredson anchors the group with a striking command of the timeless Hammond B3 organ. His driving yet subtle approach to simultaneous bass lines, chords, and melodies is truly impressive. Randy Marsh handles the drum kit with the precision of a jazz scientist, and can drop a drum solo that will leave you astounded. Joe Gloss plays it cool on the guitar with a polished and breezy approach. Together the three played three sets at Trios and kept the place grooving all night long.

The scene at Trio’s was as impressive as the band. This club is really starting to live up to its great potential. The hybrid bar/restaurant layout is great and even from a restaurant booth in the opposite corner from the stage the band sounded and looked great. An eclectic mix of patrons contributed to the festive atmosphere, as did the creatively prepared tasty food. If Trio’s continues to book bands as good as Organissimo the combination of vibe, music, people, and cuisine will be unbeatable. 

http://www.organissimo.org