Article by Kaela Mason

The Buena Vista Legacy Band promises a one-of-a-kind musical experience that bridges continents, cultures, and soundscapes. The soul of Cuba beats in the Queen City with Gino Castillo and the Buena Vista Legacy Band, featuring the incomparable Yusa and Calixto Oviedo.

Musical genres like son cubano, bolero and guajira were largely forgotten after the Cuban revolution, but were spectacularly rediscovered and brought to global prominence by the Buena Vista Social Club project in the late 1990s. This music transcends generations and borders, showcasing the rich and vibrant sounds of traditional Cuban artistry.

Gino Castillo honors that resurgence and spreads the joy of that unique music with the Buena Vista Legacy Band. Coming from all over Latin America, each member of the band is a recognized master of their instrument.

Afro-Cuban percussion Gino Castillo is no stranger to captivating crowds. Raised in Cuba, born in Ecuador, and now based in Charlotte, Castillo embodies the heartbeat of Latin jazz. His rhythms are rooted in tradition, merging the sounds of his childhood with the jazz influences of today. From Quito to Havana, New York to Charleston, Castillo has built a name as one of the finest Latin jazz percussionists in the region. His performances are not just concerts, they’re cultural celebrations.

Yusa is an international icon of Cuban music. A singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Yusa has a sound that is at once nostalgic and futuristic. She fuses traditional Cuban music with elements of jazz, soul, pop, and rock, creating something entirely her own. She’s a virtuoso on the Cuban tres (and the first woman in Cuba to graduate with a degree in the instrument), guitar, piano, and bass.  When she plays, it’s like listening to an entire world of music at once.

Calixto Oviedo is a legendary Cuban drummer and percussionist whose career spans decades and continents. Known for his mastery of timbales and infectious stage energy, Oviedo has been a driving force in both traditional and modern Cuban music, from his early days with iconic Havana bands to touring the world as a Latin jazz powerhouse. His dynamic rhythms and rich musical history will add yet another layer of brilliance to this already unforgettable night.

Enjoy the heart of Cuban Jazz at Middle C Jazz this Sunday, August 31 2025.

Preview of The Buena Vista Legacy Band, at Middle C Jazz.

This song, “Candela”, is a staple of Cuban music, iconic and famous for its lively rhythms and humorous lyrics.

The song is best known through the performance of the legendary Cuban band Buena Vista Social Club. The title “Candela” translates to “fire” or “flame,” and the song is full of energy and passion, celebrating the vibrant spirit of Cuban music and dance. Its rhythmic structure is typical of son, featuring a call-and-response pattern between the lead singer and the chorus, which is a hallmark of the genre.

The lyrics often tell a story of celebration and romance, but filled with witty double entendres in the traditional Cuban style.

Stream “Candela”