Stanford World Music Series: Cuba!

stanford cuba whim - 042, originally uploaded by bigswelldesign.

From Emily Graci's press release: “The St. Croix Landmarks Society is pleased to present the second concert of the Stanford World Music Concert Series this Saturday, August 16 at 7:30pm at Whim Plantation Museum. “Alma de Cuba” features Cuban musicians, Andres Trujillo on violin and Darleen Trujillo on piano performing traditional Cuban and Latin American dance songs.

...Gates open 6:00pm for dinner – call ahead to reserve a Cuban-style dinner plate from Turtles Deli. Snacks will also be available for purchase. Cash bar with specialty Cuban drinks all night long. Tickets are available at door or call 772-0598 to pre-pay.”

I was there taking photos and greeting lots of familiar faces at Whim enjoying moonlight, mojitos and salsa moves! Under a full moon, crowds of music lovers scattered themselves under the big glowing tent and across the lawn, enjoying food and drink, candlelight and moonlight. Distinguished musicians Andres and Darleen Trujilo (accompanied by a pair of local percussionists) lulled the audience for the first half of the concert with historic Cuban music and stories from the stage, then picked up the tempo after a band break and got quite a few audience members on their feet. Andres and his violin danced around the audience, charming children and adults alike, before rejoining the dancing crowd near the stage for some Casino (salsa) numbers.