Diversity, tradition and innovation – ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! Announces its 13th season of free family performances and community outreach by top-notch Latino artists from the U.S. and Central America. The season line-up features the tropical cumbia rhythms of Buyepongo, Latin-Grammy winner Gaby Moreno, La Cuneta Son Machin from Managua, Nicaragua, and Mariachi Aztlán from the Rio Grande Valley; as well as local favorites, Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet from Los Angeles.

The name Buyepongo means “to cause a ruckus” – which certainly describes the scene whenever this band launches into its dizzyingly energetic, instantly infectious rhythms with congas, guacharaca, accordion, bass, guitar, sax and fantastic vocals. But it also describes Buyepongo’s riotous mash-up of influences: hip-hop, punk, funk, and jazz, which form a delirious tropical blend of styles from across the Latin American diaspora. Founded by Ernesto Modesto and his brother Randy in 2011, Buyepongo is well-known on Los Angeles club and festival stages and has played Levitt Pavilion’s Summer Music Series and Hollywood Forever’s Día De Los Muertos, with regular tours throughout the U.S.. Buyepongo’s cumbia dance party opens Viva’s 13th season with free events September 28 – October 1, 2017.

Join the Dunes Center to help us welcome Buyepongo on September 30th. If you are interested in volunteering at this event please call the Dunes Center today.