Son Como Son

Welcome to Domingos en Arte—a summer music and dance series presented by Melaza Music, AMP Concerts, and the National Hispanic Cultural Center. After two preview shows in June, the series will run weekly from July 1 to August 19 in the NHCC's charming Fountain Courtyard. We have invited a wide range of Latin artists for family-friendly summer Sundays that will feature live music, drinks and delicious Latin cuisine.

The NHCC’s new restaurant—La Fonda del Bosque—will be offering unique themed dinners before each concert (from 5:30 to 7) and providing a cash bar and tapas throughout the night.

Tickets are $11 in advance, $14 day of show (plus applicable service charges). Admission is free for children 12 and younger; tickets are available online as well as from the NHCC BoxOffice, in person or by phone at (505) 724-4771.

In October 1992, after building successful musical careers in Cuba and recording and traveling across the globe, Daniel and César Bauvallet migrated from Havana to Albuquerque. Finding a thriving salsa scene in their new home, the Bauvallet brothers jumped right in, playing with a variety of bands in their first few months on the scene. Almost immediately, their musical sensibilities began to influence the Latin music soundscape.

In the spring of 1993, César formed his own band, naming it Son Como Son ("They Are as They Are"), and coining the phrase "Salsa Cuban Style." His vision was to organize an ensemble of skilled musicians, eager to learn a distinctive form of salsa, who would play his original compositions and arrangements that were stylistically Cuban. The players, from a variety of musical backgrounds and levels of experience, were all devoted to advancing musically and working together; virtually all the current members of Son Como Son have been with the band for at least 24 years.

"Every single time, the band is explosive! Son Como Son—They are how they are. It basically means they aren't trying to be something they're not. They are original. They're the real thing. They are the reason why New Mexican dancers can't sit down when their music plays. Olé los buenos artistas."
—Jesus Muñoz, Albuquerque Dance Examiner

New Mexico Culture Squared (NMC²) is a NM Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) project to build and manage partnerships between DCA institutions and cultural organizations that will enhance the impact, effectiveness, attendance, and visitor experience of exhibits and programs of DCA entities. Under the management of AMP Concerts, NMC² will create programs in collaboration with State Historic Sites, DCA Museums and various cultural organizations with the goal of increasing public programs statewide and promoting New Mexico as a destination for arts and culture.