ABOUT THE EVENT

El Laberinto del Coco is an Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba Fusion ensemble founded by visionary percussionist Hector “Coco” Barez in 2017. With a unique blend of sizzling musical ideas, Barez presents new ways to the traditional sounds of Puerto Rican Bomba. After touring the world with Ballet Folklorico de Puerto Rico “Areyto,” Grammy Award-winning groups like Calle 13, Bacilos and world-renowned bands like Bio Ritmo, Miramar, William Cepeda and Bayanga, Barez decides to embark on a new journey.

In 2017, Hector Barez received a commission from the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts to record El Laberinto del Coco’s first album. With critics comparing this recording to Rafael Cortijo’s masterpiece “The Time Machine,” a new era in Puerto Rican music is established. At performances, Barez brings to life a unique concept with a very distinctive sound with rich syncopated horn lines, funky guitar licks, solid multilayered percussion and enchanting voices, making El Laberinto del Coco a fan favorite. During the COVID-19 pandemic, El Laberinto del Coco kept busy releasing singles and keeping people's hopes alive through virtual concerts.

FUNDING

This performance is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.