Presented in partnership with Lula Music and Arts Centre

Led by pianist Jorge Betancourt and featuring some of Toronto’s top players, Café Cubano was one of the first all-Cuban, full salsa bands formed in Canada. One of the most popular regular contributors to the Cuban Friday series at Lula Lounge, the group has spawned numerous other projects and continues to be a trailblazer in the city’s timba scene.

Born in Camangüey, Cuba, the son of a famous symphonic orchestra conductor, Jorge Betancourt began his career with Charanga 86 before going on to work with Orquesta Trinima, Salsometro and the influential Valentine y los del Caribe. In Canada, he has earned a reputation for his animated stage presence and an inventive fusion of salsa, RnB, funk and timba with traditional son and guaracha forms.