BombaYo – Van Cortlandt Park – June 21, 2016
BombaYo is an expression of Afro-Puerto Rican culture led by “Dr. Drum”, distinct from the more typical salsa style. Dancing was featured, much more difficult for me to capture, but I gave it a try with Cuchie Ortiz. The group was originally scheduled to open for the NY Phil last summer but got rained out, so they rescheduled this year, to my benefit. BombaYo not only performs, but runs outreach, school workshops, etc. One more case of keeping alive a fading culture, a “learn your roots” opportunity for urban kids who might not otherwise be aware.
Cuchie Ortiz
Dr. Drum
Nelon Seda
Jorge Vazquez