Live Review – Clave Contra Clave 2012 – The Melbourne Pavilion, 13 October 2012

Written by Jose Eduardo Cruz
Last week in Brisbane the sleeping giant was awakened and it began to walk and feel its surroundings. This week in Melbourne that giant danced all night and drew a line across the sand to identify the level which must be reached in order to earn the title of Clave Contra Clave 2012 winners.

Competing on the night were Bahia, Quarter St. Orquesta, Perle Conche, Das Chos, Peligro and San Lazaro. A healthy crowd witnessed all bands put on an exceptional event. This week the panel of judges was once again filled with Australian music royalty. Cesar Rodriguez (guitarist from Blue King Brown) also lent his support to the national competition by forming part of an expert judging panel.

Eloquently put by San Lazaro, Latin music brought a diverse group of people together to form their band. Likewise on the night Latin music brought journalist originating from New York City, musicians from all parts of Latin America, dancers from every corner of Melbourne, but more importantly it brought this unique aspect of Australian culture together.

Congratulations to San Lazaro and Quarter St Orquesta for progressing to the grand final in Brisbane on the 27th of October to be headlined by none other than Willie Colón and Fonseca.

Written by Jose Eduardo Cruz

Event: Clave Contra Clave
Featuring: Melbourne lineup – Bahia, Quarter St Orquesta, Da Chos, Perle Conche, Peligro and San Lazaro.
Supported by Mi Tierra (Clave Contra Clave 2011 Winners)
Also: Frank Torres, DJ Mick Williams, and judges Cesar Rodrigues, Marc Wilkinson, Alejandro Vargas and Dr John Varney.
Date: 13 October 2012

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