“KEEP THE MUSIC ALIVE” were the instructions the 80-something year old Cuban flutist/composer Richard Euges gave Fay on her first trip to Cuba . Richard was the legendary flutist of Orquesta Aragon and composer of the most famous chachacha “El Bodeguero”. He was the foremost flutist in the Cuban charanga style. On that first trip to Cuba , flutist/bandleader Fay Roberts came back to Los Angeles with a handful of songs that Richard had entrusted to her to start her own group, Orquesta CHARANGOA. Through correspondence Richard was able to guide CHARANGOA into L.A. ’s most authentic and elegant Cuban dance orchestra. Sadly, he passed away in September ’06.

 

Since 1997 CHARANGOA has performed in L.A.’s top venues, including the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Grand Performances at the Water Court, Levitt Pavilion, The Palladium, The Palace, The Conga Room, The Granada, El Floridita, and Cal Tech. CHARANGOA has opened for Cuba’s most famous band “Los Van Van” and has backed up Cachao. Television appearances include KTTV’s “Good Day L.A.”, “10 O’clock News” and KCET’s “Holiday Celebration”. CHARANGOA performs in many festivals every year including Oxnard Salsa Festival (largest on the west coast), Watts Towers Jazz Festival, L.A. Cuban Festival, Long Beach Cuban Festival, L.A. Salsa Festival, Alhambra Jubilee, Dance Downtown at the Music Center , One Colorado, and U.C.L.A.’s Festival Latino. CHARANGOA has recorded one CD to date, available on CD Baby, I tunes, and Ameba Records.