Cuban Essence coming to Deere-Wiman

Turn up the heat on a cold winter day with Cuban Essence, an exciting new sound out of Chicago performing Friday, Feb. 18 at Fridays at Deere-Wiman. Cuban Essence concentrates on authentic Afro-Cuban rhythms and concepts in the form of a Timba orchestra. The Cuban counterpart of Salsa, Timba incorporates several styles, including Latin Jazz, Pop, Funk and Hip Hop.

Instead of traditional horns for the mambo sections, Cuban Essence arrangements call for singers, harmonizing beautiful melodies that dance over the searing rhythms of Cuba and the New World to produce lusciously inviting sounds. With lyrics sung in English, the Timba presents an exotic Latin repertoire.

Founder Waldo Ocaña studied at the American Conservatory and the Chicago Conservatory, and has a distinguished career as composer, drummer and conductor. He currently is bandleader of Waldo and Friends Orchestra, which has performed at The Art Institute of Chicago, United Center – USA Productions, Union League Club of Chicago, Chicago Stock Exchange – Navy Pier, Chicago Board of Trade (Ceres Café) and the Buckingham Athletic Club.

This event is part of the Fridays at Deere-Wiman House series funded by the William Butterworth Memorial Trust and is part of the Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series. Cuban Essence, 3 p.m., Friday, Feb. 18, Deere-Wiman House, 817 11th Avenue, Moline, Ill. Admission: free; refreshments following. For more information, call (309) 743-2701; www.butterworthcenter.com.