A Tale of Timba and Two Cities

Annual California World Fest in Grass Valley, California
by Katherine Bonalos

A Monumental Debut (The Granada, Los Angeles)

Tiempo Libre’s groundbreaking debut at the Granada refreshingly set a bold new performance standard for timba bands and live entertainment. Rare is the opportunity to hear timba in LA, and even rarer is the chance to hear timba performed en vivo by a collection of high-caliber musicians whose grand display of amazing musical versatility and boundless energy left all in a dizzying timba frenzy.

The Granada, a popular Saturday night hot spot for sophisticated LA salseros schooled in “LA-style”, served as welcoming ground for Tiempo Libre, though the unwelcome LA “myth” that timba is not preferred by local salseros quietly greeted them upon their arrival. Undeterred and enthusiastically up for the familiar challenge, the young yet seasoned members of Tiempo Libre masterfully unveiled their first set with the intent to entice and cleverly convert the dancing skeptics.

Not surprisingly, the brilliant strategy worked. By night’s end, true to musical form, the lean and mean seven-member Tiempo Libre timba machine single-handedly converted the masses with their unique sound and style, expertly demonstrating that it’s possible to unify sassy salseros and casual casineros on the same dance floor by dishing out some Arroz Con Mango.

So one might wonder, how exactly did seven relatively unknown musicians manage to daringly defy the LA timba myth? Perhaps it was due to Tiempo Libre’s magical artistry and ability to play complex rhythms with funk and spunk and natural ease. Or perhaps it is because seven is a lucky number.

Tiempo Libre's phenomenal bajista Tebelio Fonte and virtuosic baterista
Angel "Pututi II" Arce lay the groove for the crowd at The Granada.

I suggest a far more simple explanation: FUN. The fact that Tiempo Libre, in essence, is all about having fun – after all, what do people usually aim to do in their “tiempo libre”? So while their musicianship definitely sets them apart from other bands, it is their signature ability to enliven and engage their audience in fun musical mayhem that gives Tiempo Libre their distinctive flair. Crowds cannot help but be drawn to their musical charm.

It’s no wonder then, that hearing Tiempo Libre perform live is such a transformative experience (even for timba aficionados). The band’s natural on-stage chemistry, combined with the genuine authenticity that they bring to their musical expression, is an irresistible invitation to let go, let loose, y mueva la cintura! Dale mambo!

A Stunning Encore (California World Fest, Grass Valley)

Just weeks after their debut in trendy LA, Tiempo Libre found themselves in California once again, this time in Grass Valley, a small artsy community nestled in Northern California. Happily invited back after their debut last year at the outdoor World Fest, Tiempo Libre’s encore comeback performance did not disappoint.

The band appropriately began their blazing midday performance (in blazing triple-digit temperatures) with the hot and fiery La Cosa. The set continued, much to the dancing delight of the eclectic crowd, with a combination of original tunes from Arroz Con Mango as well as recognizable standards such as Guantanamera. Even though this world music-loving crowd was largely unfamiliar with español and timba, they still managed to have a good time, proving that timba naturally has broad and far-reaching appeal.

The band’s final performance later that day once again showcased their spectacular musical agility. The emcee kicked off the performance by introducing the band, in stumbling Spanish, as Tiempe Libro, though the crowd eagerly corrected her and the music ensued. It goes without saying that Joaquín (El Kid) Díaz is phenomenal as both sonero and dancer and can work just about any crowd with his winning smile.

Joaquín "El Kid" Díaz entertains the beauties at the California World Fest

The other members equally contribute to the band’s colorful personality – for example, the barefoot Jorge Gómez not only served as pianist and musical director, but also as improv choreographer, by spontaneously directing the other band members to execute coordinated dance moves (or simply jump up and down in crazy unison), all while maintaining the timba groove.

TL pianist and musical director Jorge Gomez

Hay Que Inventar

Like the saying hay que inventar, Tiempo Libre’s inventiveness and creative ingenuity has undoubtedly fueled a growing interest for Cuban timba in both salsa clubs and non-traditional venues among a diverse and multicultural audience. With Se Ponen as the band’s travel anthem, Tiempo Libre is blazing a timba trail across the U.S. (and abroad!). Que viva la timba cubana!