Blog June 5, 2025
Afro-Cuban Masters Return to New England: June 13-15

If it’s June, there’s deep roots Cuban music happening in Holyoke, Massachusetts and Old Lyme, Connecticut!

The organizers say, “This second annual Juneteenth event highlights the spirituality of Caribbean peoples. We recognize Holyoke as an extension of the Caribbean through its contemporary Puerto Rican, Dominican, Haitian, Cuban and other island populations. Our program title, ‘Afro-Caribbean history through the arts’, is inclusive to welcome all to this occasion with some of the best folk artists of this genre, who will guide and teach us about the collective genius of Caribbean peoples, through inherited methods of evoking and memorializing their history within a sacred context.

Once again, Lázaro Galarraga (voice), Danys Pérez and dancers with percussion, Brendaliz Cepeda and “Bomba de Aquí” with Saul Peñaloza and friends will bring their lifetimes of experience with Afro-Cuban music and dance to New England.

Afropop attended a 2024 performance in Holyoke, and it was nothing short of spectacular. All these events are highly recommended.


Drs. Gloria Caballero & Ivor Miller, organizers.

With Lázaro Galarraga (voice), Danys Pérez and dancers with percussion

Brendaliz Cepeda and “Bomba de Aquí” with Saul Peñaloza and friends

June 13-15, 2025

Workshops: Lyman Park, Holyoke, MA. (June 13-14, 4-5PM)

Performances Holyoke Media Center, Holyoke, MA. (June 13-14, 6-8PM)

Service: Congregational Church, Old Lyme, CT. (June 15, 10AM)

Ivor Miller (second from left) and performers at 2024 Holyoke event
Ivor Miller (second from left) and performers at 2024 Holyoke event

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