Cito's popular Spanish duo El Cantante with Martin Schofield returns to a Jozi stage for 3 consecutive Wednesday evening performances from 29 October.
Due to the incredible demand to have El Cantante back on a Jozi public stage again, the Spanish duo have joined forces with the stylish AFICIONADO POP-UP BAR in Sandton to do just that, being the restaurant’s entertainment of choice for three consecutive Wednesday evenings from 29 October – 12 November.
With El Cantante (the singer), renowned singer Cito heads back to his Puerto Rican roots, performing his unique acoustic versions of the Spanish classics that he grew up listening to.
Guitarist extraordinaire, Martin Schofield joins him once again on guitar.
The rhythms and styles of bolero, tango, mambo, tejano, mariachi and traditional folklorica are included in the musical line-up, highlighting traditional favourites from countries including Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico and others. Pop favourites presented in Cito’s unique arrangements include Cielito Lindo, La Bamba, Besame Mucho, Carnaval, Cancion del Mariachi, En Mi Viejo San Juan, El Cuarto de Tula, Mi Tierra (Gloria Estefan) and Sobrevivire (I Will Survive).
Audiences are captivated by the sheer magic of the music and the Desperado-style performance thereof.
Cito was born in Los Angeles, California and most of his childhood was spent in an Hispanic community in Queens, New York City. Both parents influenced Cito with their musical abilities - especially his Puerto Rican mother who sang and played Spanish guitar.
Now living in South Africa since his teens, Cito is best known as the frontman of the legendary multi award-winning rock band, WONDERboom; now in their 18th year on the local music scene. Showcasing his diversity in recent years, Cito has had media and audiences alike raving at his heart-stopping portrayal of Jesus in the hit musical Jesus Christ Superstar; Frederick Trumper in Chess - The Musical and more recently in being the frontline vocalist singing Queen's music in Bovim Ballet's Queen at the Ballet.
Performing alongside Cito in El Cantante is 12-time SAMA nominee Martin Schofield - founding member, alongside Cito, of WONDERboom, and has notched up many other accolades including most recently being the MD of the 2012 SAMA Awards as well as Idols SA Season 8. One of Martin's favourite sayings is "You make music with people, the notes come later" and it’s on this basis that he's thrilled to be partnering with long-time friend and fellow musician to explore an on-going desire of his to go out of his comfort zone to perform music Hispanically.
And with Cito also on guitar, audiences will be provided an evening of pure delight, seeing these two seasoned performers at this chic venue that’s ideally suited for the introduction of Guatemalan rum; Ron Zacapa.
Says Cito; “The nature of our El Cantante performances ideally suit the intimate restaurant set-up which we’ve seen time and again. We believe Aficionado Pop-Up Bar will rock and we look forward to performing to a whole new audience at this elegant venue.“
Aficionado Pop-Up Bar
From the house above the clouds, comes a Pop-Up Bar unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Set up specifically for a limited time period to welcome Ron Zacapa into the South African market, Aficionado Pop-Up Bar is bringing this experience to you in Sandton, in the most luxurious Pop-Up Bar in town until 28 November only.
Savour the smooth taste of pure rum, sipped slowly with only a cigar as accompaniment in an enclosed cigar lounge.
Otherwise, enjoy a range of their superior cocktails to liven up the evening in any of the other lounge or restaurant areas within the venue whilst listening to the smooth sounds of El Cantante.
Smooth as silk, complex as a Mayan ritual, and as flavoursome as honeyed butterscotch spiced with oak and raisined fruit, Ron Zacapa is created from virgin sugar cane honey, aged in the world's highest aging facility above the Guatemalan clouds in the famed House Above the Clouds at Quetzaltenango – the highest aging facility in the world at 2300 above sea level.
The Union Pop-Up Bar concept was born in early 2012 and is the brainchild of Justin Kramer and Joshua Shifren, two budding entrepreneurs with more than 8 years experience in the hospitality industry.
“We noticed a gap in the market and identified a niche of a trendy and experiential bar, that seemed to elude the South African socialite,” says Joshua.
Pop-Up Bars that are spearheaded by The Union Bar team go far beyond offering great customer service. “We create lifestyle experiences focused on catering to the needs, desires and whims of the consumer. Wherever, whenever, whoever they might be,” adds Justin.
Together with some of the top brands in the world, this cool concept and great cocktails, the setting also transforms and encourages the guests to indulge in their senses and it enriches their style.
The key to the success of The Union Pop-Up Bar Bar has been the fact consumers need to get in and check it out as quickly as possible. “Just as we move, so our drinks change… that’s the charm of our Pop-Up Bar, we move just as fast as you drink down…”
"EL CANTANTE" EVENT INFORMATION:
Wednesday 29 October
Wednesday 5 November
Wednesday 12 November
Doors open: 5:30pm
El Cantante perform from 7:30pm
Venue:
Aficionado Pop-Up Bar, Sandton Eye
Corner of Rivonia and West Streets, Sandton, Johannesburg
(Entrance is next door to the Radisson Blue Gautrain Hotel Concierge on Rivonia Road)
Cover Charge: R50 payable at the door
Advanced bookings recommended:
Online at www.aficionadorbar.co.za/make-a-reservation or via e-mail at info@aficionadobar.co.za
For further information, e-mail info@aficionadobar.co.za or visit www.aficionadobar.co.za
Full biographies on Joshua Shifren and Justin Kramer are available on request.
For interview and image requests, please contact Collett Dawson on collett@thecolabnetwork.com
Artslink.co.za Account:
Collett Dawson
The CoLab Network
collett@thecolabnetwork.com
082 653 1338
www.thecolabnetwork.com