Havana Caliente Records recently released a DVD of the historic live recording of Los Van Van’s highly controversial show at Miami Arena in October 9, 1999 to critical acclaim. Entitled Van Van Live at Miami Arena, the album chronicles the evening’s events and the band’s highly exuberant performance. With 5,000 protesters outside the venue, media coverage spanned the country. This live recording captures the spirit and excitement of the band’s first performance ever in Miami featuring founding members Juan Formell and Cesar “Pupi” Pedroso as well as the great baritone Pedrito Calvo. Highlights include performances of their first single “Marilu” (1969), the classic “Van Van Sandunguera” (1983), “Soy Todo: Ay Dios Amparame!” (1995), and “Permiso Que Llego Van Van” (1999) from their Grammy winning album.

Los Van Van is Cuba’s ultimate dance band and their music embraces the traditions of a charanga orchestra, son, Afro Latin grooves along with strong jazz, funk and rock and roll beats.

Against all odds in Miami, Los Van Van defended themselves against agitators and unfounded accusations prior to the October 9th show. Even Miami’s mayor got into the action calling them “the official Communist band of Fidel Castro”. In the words of Los Van Van’s musical director Juan Formell, the band “represents the music, and we are part of Cuba’s rich musical history…we do not speak of politics nor do we represent Cuba’s government. Our music speaks of the people and we try to make them feel great through our songs; we make them dance.”

Before and during the performance, Los Van Van fans defied protestors and were escorted by police bearing shield and riot helmets in order to protect themselves from angry demonstrators. The strained atmosphere and high tension still produced one of the best live shows of all time. Los Van Van and their fans would not be defeated.
Buy Van Van Live at Miami Arena and Los Van Van in Concert.