Dance For Me

Dundas West Fest has taken over the street from Ossington to Lansdowne. I usually check out a few indie bands at the stage opposite The Garrison. But this Saturday, I decided to head to the other end to hear some World Music at the Lula Lounge stage.

Okan is comprised of two Cuban women, one on percussion and the other on violin and vocals. They have a rotating cast of performers on drums, bass, and piano. Today they were joined by Danaé Olano, a pianist I saw performed at Gallery 345. It was a high-energy performance of Afro-Cuban jazz music full of complex rhythm. There was a dash of modern jazz in some of the passages. The addition of a classical-trained violinist also introduced some interesting flavour to the arrangements and solos.