A Perfectly Festive Afternoon in Culver City

The sun was shining, the sky crystal blue, and the crowd that had gathered in downtown Culver City radiated warmth and joy. Angelenos from all walks of life were present this past Saturday at our Cuban block party. Children ran playfully between the twirling shadows cast by their elders, many quite skilled at salsa dancing. Changüí Majadero and DJ Anthony Valadez laid out the Afro Cuban sonic tapestry from which we all wrapped ourselves in.

… and what a rich tapestry it was! Valadez set the vibe with a vibrant salsa set that echoed through Culver Steps, drawing a growing crowd. As the plaza filled, Changüí Majadero took the stage, blending Cuban tradition with crowd-driven call-and-response and dance. The band even took some creative risks, inviting the acclaimed accordion player Marito Aguilar to join them, effectively creating a fusion of Cuban and Mexican styles. Over 700 attendees joined the fun, making our first Culver City show a joyful success.

Huge thanks to the City of Culver City—and to everyone who showed up for a perfect afternoon.

Changüí Majadero celebrates with the new fans they earned in Culver City

Here’s the afternoon through DJ Anthony Valadez’s eyes

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A Guide to Cuban Music