Bobi Céspedes
Gladys “Bobi” Céspedes has been at the forefront of representing and promoting Cuban music in the Bay Area and the United States for over 40 years. A vocalist, composer, band leader and educator, Bobi first won international recognition as director and lead singer for Conjunto Céspedes. The band recorded 4 albums, including Una Sola Casa and Vivito Y Coleando which won awards for Latin Album of the Year in 1993 and 1995 from the National Association of Independent Records Distribution (NAIRD). With the Conjunto, Bobi toured the United States and internationally, winning raving reviews in every major city where they performed, and opening for such stars as Los Van Van, Celia Cruz, Ruben Blades, and Brian Ferry. Bobi also toured and recorded with Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum project, appearing on his Supralingua and Spirit into Sound releases.
Since 2003, working in a septet format with a band under her own name, Bobi has continued to perform and tour, and recorded two albums: Rezos and Patakin. She was invited to perform at the Grand Opening Weekend for the dedication of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in September 2016, as part of a lineup that included such divas as Angélique Kidjo and Meshell Ndegeocello.
By integrating folkloric and modern elements in an authentic and distinctive sound, Bobi gives a modern voice to traditional Cuban music, providing fresh ways for contemporary audiences to be touched by her rich musical heritage. Her dynamic performances lead you on a journey from Afro Cuban chants to Cuban són, rumba, cha cha chás and boleros. In the rich field of Cuban music, Bobi Céspedes stands out as a gem and can rightfully be considered one of our national cultural treasures.
Raices
Contemporary (Latino) American Music
Curated by John Santos
A concert series of diverse Latino (American) music representing hemispheric creativity in a wide range of formats interpreted by several of the most dynamic interpreters in the field. The term America in its true sense refers to North, South and Central America as well as the Caribbean islands. Accordingly, Latin American music defies brief descriptions. Folk syles and rhythms in traditional and evolutionary settings, dance music and jazz play seminal roles in this series.
https://www.thefreight.org/search/">View upcoming shows in the Raices series.
Bobi Céspedes
Gladys “Bobi” Céspedes has been at the forefront of representing and promoting Cuban music in the Bay Area and the United States for over 40 years. A vocalist, composer, band leader and educator, Bobi first won international recognition as director and lead singer for Conjunto Céspedes. The band recorded 4 albums, including Una Sola Casa and Vivito Y Coleando which won awards for Latin Album of the Year in 1993 and 1995 from the National Association of Independent Records Distribution (NAIRD). With the Conjunto, Bobi toured the United States and internationally, winning raving reviews in every major city where they performed, and opening for such stars as Los Van Van, Celia Cruz, Ruben Blades, and Brian Ferry. Bobi also toured and recorded with Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum project, appearing on his Supralingua and Spirit into Sound releases.
Since 2003, working in a septet format with a band under her own name, Bobi has continued to perform and tour, and recorded two albums: Rezos and Patakin. She was invited to perform at the Grand Opening Weekend for the dedication of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in September 2016, as part of a lineup that included such divas as Angélique Kidjo and Meshell Ndegeocello.
By integrating folkloric and modern elements in an authentic and distinctive sound, Bobi gives a modern voice to traditional Cuban music, providing fresh ways for contemporary audiences to be touched by her rich musical heritage. Her dynamic performances lead you on a journey from Afro Cuban chants to Cuban són, rumba, cha cha chás and boleros. In the rich field of Cuban music, Bobi Céspedes stands out as a gem and can rightfully be considered one of our national cultural treasures.
Raices
Contemporary (Latino) American Music
Curated by John Santos
A concert series of diverse Latino (American) music representing hemispheric creativity in a wide range of formats interpreted by several of the most dynamic interpreters in the field. The term America in its true sense refers to North, South and Central America as well as the Caribbean islands. Accordingly, Latin American music defies brief descriptions. Folk syles and rhythms in traditional and evolutionary settings, dance music and jazz play seminal roles in this series.
https://www.thefreight.org/search/">View upcoming shows in the Raices series.
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