Los Van Van is the Cuban dance band that brought Rock & Roll into the Cuban Son as “Songo” in 1969 and stayed at the forefront of Pop music inside Cuba for decades.
- Los Van Van featuring Alexander Abreu (Habana D’Primera) play Cuban Timba at La Boom in Woodside, Queens on Fri, May 13, 2022 at 10pm. From $70. 🇨🇺
Los Van Van are the Rolling Stones of Cuba
Los Van Van was led by bassist Juan Formell until he passed away in 2014. He didn’t invent the mix of Rock & Roll and Son, but he made Los Van Van, the most popular band in the genre. He is also brought electronic instruments into Cuban music.
A string of musical innovations, hits, and star personnel made Formell y Los Van Van the most important Cuban band of the contemporary era. They call Los Van Van “the Rolling Stones of Cuba.” You can call them Cuban Rock & Roll or more accurately Rock & Roll Cuban.
The band was loyal to Cuba. Members didn’t defect. Their impact inside Cuba was profound. Imagine being blockaded from the outside world and then hearing the Rolling Stones playing Salsa. It would blow your mind.
Juan Formell won a 1999 Grammy® Award for “Best Salsa Performance” for Llegó… Van Van (Van Van is here).
Juan’s younger son Samuel Formell plays drums and is now the band’s music director. Juan’s older son plays bass.
Los Van Van puts on a great high-energy Rock & Roll Cuban show.
You can learn more about the band on Instagram @losvanvanoficial
Previously
The band plays Lehman Center Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 8pm. Vanessa Formell joins the band on this tour. Pedrito Calvo, the band’s original singer will perform too. Tickets are $45-100 and can be purchased at www.LehmanCenter.org or at the door.
The band plays B.B. King Blues Club Friday, December 9, 2016 at 8pm. Tickets are $45-85 and can be purchased at BBKingBlues.com or at the door.
