Pictures of Saturday’s show

Featuring: Habana Sax, Triangulo Oscuro, Charanga Habanera and Buena Fe plus Cuban DJs

Fresh from their glories in Havana’s March awards ceremony, the victorious bands will headline The Floridita Cuban Music Awards supported by Havana Club. The event will take place over the weekend of June 18 and 19, and culminate on the night of Monday, June 20 with an exclusive Awards Dinner at Wardour Street’s vibrant Floridita bar and restaurant. The brainchild of London’s Havana Masters record label, The Floridita Cuban Music Awards supported by Havana Club will be produced in partnership with Como No — organisers of the UK’s premiere Latin music event, La Linea.

The event will open on the evening of Saturday June 18 with Charanga Habanera and Triangulo Oscuro at a full concert in the Battersea Park Events Arena. The Floridita Cuban Music Awards supported by Havana Club will feature live performances from Havana’s major winners, alongside some very special guest appearances. Offering an unrivalled cocktail of Cuban music styles, the lineup will include exclusive UK dÈbuts from Habana Sax and Buena Fe, as well as the highly-anticipated return of Timba legends, Charanga Habanera.

The afternoon of Sunday June 19 will see the Battersea Park Events Arena open its wings for a family concert, featuring the same great lineup of Cuban Music as the Saturday night event.

The Floridita Cuban Music Awards supported by Havana Club will culminate on the evening of Monday June 20 with an intimate 3-course dinner and musical showcase at Floridita, 100 Wardour Street. The Award Winners Dinner will include the giving of several lifetime achievement awards for Cuban music and performances from Havana’s award-winners — and other very special guests! Tickets for this event are strictly limited!

Also: The Original De Cuba series on Egrem (10 CDs of which have already been released) feature a wealth of the diverse sounds emanating from Cuba, including music by all four of the main bands appearing at this exciting London festival.

Battersea Park Events Arena
Saturday 18 June, 2005 8.30pm — 2am
General Admission £25 in Advance (inc. complimentary Havana Club cocktail)

Battersea Park Events Arena
Sunday 19 June, 2005 12noon — 9pm
General Admission £15 in advance + booking fee

Award Winners Dinner Floridita, 100 Wardour Street, London W1
Monday 20 June, 2005 Info: 020 7314 4000 www.floriditalondon.com

(Children under 12 Free when accompanied by an adult)
+ booking fee www.ticketweb.co.uk / 0870 060 0100. Dining Packages 020 7314 4000

Photo by Damian Rafferty