Canada - Cuban band Valle Son returns to Canada for an extensive summer tour. Valle Son (vah-yeh sohn) is a 7 piece group from the rural village of Viñales in the lush tobacco-growing highlands of Pinar del Rio, the westernmost province of Cuba, where most of them have been playing together for more than a decade.

In July 2000, Valle Son traveled to the Yukon for a month-long tour. There they recorded their CD Son de Cuba at Old Crow Studio in Whitehorse, released on their imprint, Caribou Records- home to the Undertakin' Daddies, Kim Barlow, and Anne Louise Genest.

Son de Cuba is rooted in the traditional son style, yet embodies a contemporary, hybrid sound. Driven by the clave rhythm, the music integrates elements of jazz and mambo to create a propulsive, vibrant groove.

Valle Son would have returned to Canada sooner, but a 2002 North American tour crumbled, with visa delays in the wake of 9/11. This year's trip takes them through the US and into Canada this summer for a series of festival and concert dates, continuing in July after they record their second Caribou CD in Whitehorse.

July 4 - 6 Vancouver Island Music Festival, Comox
July 7 Butchart Gardens
July 8 - 9 Harrison Festival for the Arts
July 11 - 13 World Festival, Harbourfront, Toronto
July 12 Lula's Lounge, Toronto
July 16 Beneath the Arches, Turner Valley, Alberta
July 17 Ironwood Grill, Calgary
July 18 - 20 South Country Fair, Fort Macleod, Alberta
July 24 WISE Hall, Vancouver
July 25 - 27 Mission Folk Festival
Aug 5 Art Space, Prince George, B.C.
Aug 6 Downstream Bar, Jasper, Alberta
Aug. 7-10 Edmonton Folk Music Festival

Media contact: Ellie O'Day, 604 731.3339, ellie@oday.org