Another great night at Matt & Phred's, Diáspora burned through the rhythms of the Americas - salsa, samba, reggae, flamenco, 6/8... Don't forget to catch us tomorrow night at Cross Street Chapel! 7:30pm.

Diáspora has just played a nice soirée concert down at Cross Street Chapel, culminating in an impromptu free Guaguancó. Come and see us play Matt & Phreds thursday september 30th.

​La Pequeña Diáspora are playing at Cross Street Chapel, Manchester City Centre on FRIDAY 27 AUGUST, 7:30pm. Entry is £10.

Arriving at the venue I was surprised that I had walked passed this building lots of times without really 'seeing' it or realising that it was a place of worship. The entrance is modern and light and extremely welcoming. We were greeted by a couple of friendly ladies who offered us a free glass of very palatable wine and told to make ourselves at home. Whatever picture you have in your mind of what a 'church' is, well rip up that picture. 
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The interior is stunning - a large white circular room with high ceilings giving a complete feeling of space and relaxation. There are large, grand pillars around the room along with windows dotted around to introduce natural light.  The seating was laid out in a relaxed informal style with tables adourned with candles and a few 'nibbles'. People were happy to sit and chat with new arrivals and the whole place had the feeling of being at someone's houseparty.

Diaspora are a 7-piece band, billed as being 'one of the most exciting new projects in the contemporary UK Latin scene' and they did not disappoint. The acoustics are great and I was particularly impressed with Rory Duffy's haunting saxaphone rifts, coupled with the vibrancy and clarity of the lead female vocalist.

The sexy, up-tempo, Latin American beat soon had the audience tapping in tune, with an adventurous couple taking to the dance floor to show off their salsa style steps. This seemed to pave the way for the other experienced Salsa dancers get in on the action. As a salsa virgin I was in total awe of the way they moved as one entity, synchronising their moves in perfect time with the music - as soon as the first beats of the next song were played they automatically knew what moves to make.

I must admit listening to the fast paced music I just wanted to get up there and join in, but felt inadequate watching the footwork skills on show.  Wow, I want to learn how to do that, I have to take Salsa lessons and strut my stuff; maybe it is the new 'Line-dancing' fad but it look so much fun and I want IN.

The whole evening was one of the most entertaining and fun that I have had in a long time. The music, atmoshpere and venue blended so well but unfortunately it was over too quickly. I've looked at the rest of the La Soiree programme of events and will certainly be going along to the next one on the 24 September where Benny Hui and David Tait will be giving an evening of Piano and Poetry - can't wait.

Read More...
​http://www.manchestersalon.org.uk/diaspora-from-la-soiree-concert-series-reviewed-by-yvonne-cawley-august-2010.html

Next salsa nights...
Thursday 26 August
Thursday 30 September
Thursday 28 October

With James Vielma and Alyss Rose on vocals, and with dancing from Juan and Susan a.k.a. Salsa de Cuba. Don't miss out!

19:00 - Salsa de Cuba
22:00 - La Pequeña Diáspora
FREE entry
Matt & Phred's Jazz Club