Ritmo Cascabel, the Denver-based cumbia sensation recently took their vibrant rhythms on the road. I had the privilege of joining them on their tour to Seattle and Portland for two unforgettable "Cumbia Night" performances at the Sunset Tavern and Mano Oculta. The sights and sounds from these shows, captured through my lens, tell a story of community, dance, and the universal language of music.
In Seattle, the Sunset Tavern was transformed into a lively fiesta adorned with beautiful Mexican banderas. The anticipation in the air was palpable as Ritmo Cascabel took the stage. The sold-out show was a testament to the band's growing fanbase and the universal appeal of cumbia music.
The energy in the room was electric from the very first note. As Ritmo Cascabel played, the crowd couldn't resist the allure of the cumbia rhythms. It was a night of non-stop dancing, with every corner of the room pulsating with movement. The highlight of the night? The smashing of a piñata at the end of the performance, a moment of pure energy and a candy-filled one at that.
In Portland, the cumbia extravaganza continued as Ritmo Cascabel shared the stage with local bands, Portland-based Gata Galatica and Los Angeles-based Sancho Villa. The diverse lineup brought together cumbia enthusiasts from all over, united by their love of the genre.
Ritmo Cascabel's set was a journey through the heart of cumbia, with classic songs like "Que no quede huella" by Bronco that had everyone singing along. The Portland crowd was not only receptive but ready to dance, and the energy in the room was infectious.
