Alfonsito Llorens: The Projects of an Unmistakable Voice.
«And the concert we’re preparing with the Jazz Banda Casino Bellamar will be especially significant, a fusion of jazz with other genres, which we’re putting together for next May or June.»
Alfonsito Llorens Betancourt’s beginnings on stage date back to his adolescence, when he participated with his father in small performances with the Matanzas Lyric Group. He had received singing and solfège lessons that, over time, solidified his musical knowledge to the point that he joined the historic 20th Anniversary Art Instructors Brigade in the rural schools of Jagüey Grande.
This allowed him to share his expertise with the students of that educational program.
Born in Matanzas on June 15th, 1959, he also joined the Nueva Trova movement, and when he arrived in Matanzas in the 1990s, he joined the ranks of the UNEAC (National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba), where, due to his work and dedication, he became vice president of the provincial executive.
The idea for the El Bolerazo project was a success from the start, as have been the various folk music gatherings and shows in different venues throughout Matanzas, also directed by this distinguished artist.
For these reasons, it’s always of interest to Radio 26 to learn about their activities this year:
«We started doing El Bolerazo in the Colonial Courtyard of the Hermanos Saíz Association, in the alleyway by the Sacristy, in the city of Matanzas, on Sundays starting at 4:00 in the afternoon.»
“We also have the Peña at the José White Hall, each time with a different theme. This one was dedicated to Nueva Trova, since yesterday was its anniversary, and I hold musical gatherings at the Casa del Danzón on Medio Street, which have been excellent, with enthusiastic dancers.
And the concert we’re preparing with the Jazz Banda Casino Bellamar will be special, a fusion of jazz with other genres favored by the people of Matanzas, which we’re putting together for next May or June.”
He also informed us that he hopes to return to Mexico next August to tour various nightclubs at the request of fans from our sister nation.
Alfonsito Llorens is a regular on the main stages of Matanzas, the Athens of Cuba, with his powerful and unmistakable voice, which has established him as one of the leading figures in Matanzas song.
Written by María Elena Bayón.
