La Linea returns to London

La Linea returns to London for two weeks in April boasting yet another sizzling line up of Cuban rumba, Samba soul, Brazilian folk y mucho más! La Linea is one of the most eclectic, ebullient and exciting Latin festivals in the world. Legends Juan De Marcos, Roberto Pla and Céu will be performing alongside some of Latin music's brightest new stars.

From the 1950s big bands of Edmundo Ros to the salsa craze of the 1990s to the burgeoning tropical bassline scene of today, Latin rhythms have had Londoners moving and shaking for over 50 years and the long love affair shows no signs of abating. Now in it's 12th year La Linea continues to champion London's cornerstone place in the world of Latin music.

This year's festival will be opened by Portugal's leading musical export Madredeus who shall be playing their first show anywhere in 6 years. Spanish chart toppers Amaral will be bringing their unique blend of Latin infused pop rock for a rare London appearance.

The mighty Afro Cuban All Stars, led by the venerable Juan de Marcos, return to London for the first time in seven years. Support comes from London based Lokkhi Terra for what promises to be a rare and unforgettable night. Brazilian singer song-writer Céu, who has captivated the world with her mesmerising blend of bossa, electronica, samba and dub will be joined at Koko by two of the most exciting new Brazilian artists, Curumin and Lucas Santtana.

Also performing at this year's festival is the Mexican, virtuoso guitarist Morgan Szymanski. Che Sudaka's explosive live show headlines the UK for the first time. London's own Lucumi choir celebrate the launch of their new CD of Afro Cuban choral anthems and share the stage, Cuban-style, with Gerardo y su Rumba Ache and dancers.

Latin music has never been too far away from the heart of the capital. From Cuban bandleader Don Marino Barretto performing to pilots on Salisbury plane before the Battle of Britain to Edmundo Ros teaching then-Princess Elizabeth and her sister Margaret to dance. From Gilberto Gil's time spent in political exile in London and Héctor Lavoe performing his first ever London show in a half full pub in 1975 the capital is truly entwined with Latin spirit.

With London's ever growing Latin population and, perhaps more significantly, the emergence of Latino-British bands, Latin music remains engrained in the culture of London and once again La Linea is at the heart of it.

La Linea hits the road with Ceu & Curumin performing in Manchester, Bristol, Gateshead, Brighton and Coventry alongside the London schedule, bringing a taste of contemporary Brazil to 5 cities around the UK.

Monday 16th April
Madredeus
Barbican Hall

Thursday 19th April
Ceu, Curumin & Lucas Santtana
KOKOs

Saturday 21st April
Roberto Pla Latin Ensemble
plus DJs
Islington Town Hall

Tuesday 24th April
The London Lucumi Choir
Gerado y su Rumba Ache
Rich Mix

Wednesday 25th April
Juan De Marcos Afro Cuban All Stars
Lokkhi Terra
Barbican Hall

Thursday 26th April
SKETCHES OF MEXICO Morgan Szymanski
Bolivar Hall

Friday 27th April
Amaral
Sala and The Strange Sounds
HMV Forum

Friday 27th April
Che Sudaka
Los Chinches
DJs Cal Jader (Movimientos) Sacha Dieu (Stranger Than Paradise)
Village Underground

La Linea on tour with
Ceu + Curumin
Wednesday 18 April, St George's Hall, Bristol
Friday 20 April, Band on The Wall, Manchester
Sunday 22 April, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
Monday 23 April, The Sage, Gateshead
Tuesday 24 April, Komedia, Brighton

More information and online ticket sales available from
WWW.COMONO.CO.UK/LA-LINEA

Madredeus
Monday 16 April
Barbican
Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
8pm
020 7638 8891
£15-£26