For much of its decade-long existence, Tiempo Ibero- americano has been spicing up the summer with the Isla de Salsa festival, an annual celebration of the Caribbean beat. To mark its 10th anniversary, the Fukuoka- based nonprofit organization is expanding its musical horizons to span the entire Iberoamerican world.
The birthday party, to be held in Fukuoka and Tokyo, is called "!Animate!" and will feature performances by artists representing vastly different traditions, all of whom appear in Japan for the first time.
From Spain comes singer Concha Buika, whose African-inspired take on flamenco can be traced in part to her parents, immigrants from the former Spanish colony of Equatorial Guinea.
The Grammy-winning Mexican quartet Cafe Tacvba are often credited with spearheading the "Rock en Espanol" movement of the early 1990s, but their reach goes beyond standard rock fare sung in Spanish. Though inspired by 1980s alt-rock from Britain and the United States, they've incorporated Mexican musical traditions such as norteno, bolero and ranchero into their sound.
Hailing from the other end of Latin America are Tango Negro Trio, an Argentine/Uruguayan outfit who manage to preserve tango traditions while simultaneously updating them.
Lastly, there's Columbian pop star Cabas, who draws upon the cumbia rhythms of his homeland.
"!Animate!" takes place Nov. 3, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., at Stellar Ball, Shinagawa Prince Hotel (¥4,600 per show; ¥7,800 for both); Nov. 4., 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., at Zepp Fukuoka (¥3,200 per show; ¥5,500 for both). Afternoon shows feature Concha Buika and Tango Negro Trio. Evening shows feature Cabas and Cafe Tacvba. Tango Negro Trio also appear Nov. 1 in Nagoya, Nov. 2 in Tokyo and Nov. 7 in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture. For more information on all concerts, call Tiempo Iberoamericano at (092) 762-4100 or visit www.tiempo.jp
