The Buena Vista Social Orchestra, led by Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos, the original band leader, arranger, and trombonist of The Buena Vista Social Club, has added 13 more dates to their upcoming late summer and fall U.S. tour. This extension brings the band, created by Ramos in 2016, to the States for the first time. The now 38-date tour will include performances in cities such as Seattle, Portland, Northampton, San Francisco, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Detroit, among others. Starting on August 25th in Farmingville, NY, the tour will continue across the country through early November, with stops in Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, Milwaukee, Boston, New York City (September 19th at Town Hall), Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Austin, Houston, Tucson, San Diego, Riverside, Dallas, and Miami.
The Buena Vista Social Orchestra is a vibrant musical and dance production featuring key players from the history of Cuban music genres. The group aims to preserve and celebrate the arts, music, and culture of Cuba with a dynamic show that includes a repertoire of hits and deep cuts, many composed by Ramos. The Orchestra will perform a variety of Cuban music styles, including Guajira, Son, Danzon, Son Montuno, Pilon, Cha Cha Cha, Changui, Bolero, Guaracha, Ritmo Batanga, Afro, and Latin Jazz. The tour is brought to the U.S. by The School of Sacred Knowledge and SSK Records.
For this inaugural U.S. tour, Aguaje (trombone, music director, conductor) is joined by an all-star ensemble, including original BVSC members Luis “Betun” Mariano Valiente Marin (congas, bongo), Emilio Senon Morales Ruiz (keys), and Fabian Garcia (bass). The lineup also features Lorena Lazara Ramos Diaz (trombone, vocals), Aldo Isidro Miranda Alvarez (vocals), Geidi Chapman (vocals, guitar), Antonio Remigio Rubio Borayo (timbal, percussion), and Rogelio Ricardo Oliva Orelly (emcee, vocals).
Ahead of their tour, Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos and The Buena Vista Social Orchestra released their new single “Babalu” via SSK Records/The Orchard. “Babalu,” a remixed and remastered extended arrangement of a track from their 2023 debut album, Greatest Recorded Performances, is the first in a series of new music from the Orchestra this year. Press here to listen to “Babalu.”
Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos has had a distinguished career with world-class ensembles such as Estrellas de Arieto and Afro-Cuban Allstars. His extensive musical journey is highlighted in the acclaimed 1999 documentary Buena Vista Social Club. Ramos performed on the beloved recordings of the Buena Vista Social Club and Afro-Cuban Allstars, as well as the solo albums of ensemble members Ibrahim Ferrer, Ruben Gonzales, and Omara Portuondo. Since 1997, the 73-year-old Cuban artist has toured extensively with numerous Afro-Cuban projects, including the renowned “Adios” Tour, where he served as a prominent member and musical director. Ramos and his Buena Vista Social Orchestra have been touring since the mid-2010s, earning praise from critics and audiences across North America, Europe, and Central and South America.
