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Bomba y Plena
Plena Libre is one of Puerto Rico's powerhouse dance bands, whose music is rooted in the island's traditional genres, bomba y plena.
Bomba is a melodic and rhythmic music and dance form that emerged during the 17th and 18th centuries among West African slaves on the sugar plantations in Puerto Rico. Plena developed in the 19th century as a fusion of bomba with other influences -- indigenous, Spanish and Caribbean traditional and popular music. Backed by drums and string instruments, plena focuses on the story, often improvised, sung by a lead singer and chorus.
San Juan bassist/composer Gary Nuñez formed Plena Libre in 1994 to reinvent and update Puerto Rico's bomba y plena traditions and move them beyond folklore. The group uses the plena form to continue to spread the news about Puerto Rican identity and culture.
Plena Libre has recorded 12 albums and earned four Grammy nominations. The band has spread its message around the world but, in an even more amazing feat, is the first plena band in 50 years to have a hit record in Puerto Rico.
Schedule: Friday, Dutton Street, 8:45 p.m.; Saturday, Dutton Street, 1:30 p.m.; Sunday, Boarding House Park, 5:15 p.m 07/22/10 >> go there
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