Charanga del Norte have been described as “the only 100 percent genuine charanga and pachanga band in the land” (The Beat) and with this 12 piece combo making a special appearance in Scarborough this weekend, we had to find out more.

We should start by sorting out our Charanga from our Pachanga. For those not familiar with these terms, the former is the name for a type of orchestra used in performing traditional Cuban music (with the ‘del Norte’ seemingly implying their northern, rather than southern hemisphere, home turf – hailing, as they do, from Leeds).

The typical sounds you’d find here include flutes, strings, percussion, piano, and vocals – making for a heady mix. Band leader and flautist Sue Miller, Professor of music at Leeds Beckett University, has also written a number of books about the sensation, and the history of Cuban music in New York.

Pachanga, meanwhile, is the name for styles of both music and dance, in a mode popularised in the early sixties; for a time it seemingly even overtook the Cha Cha in popularity. A combination of basic steps, some Estampas, and Hop and Slide, amongst other moves, it was championed by Hector Rivera and his Orchestra, acclaimed performer of latin soul across the 1950s to 1970s. The style has been described as festive and mischievous – which is about all we need to know to want to try it!

Charanga del Norte will bring their authentic latin sound to Scarborough Market Hall and Vaults this Saturday as part of the ‘Little Big Ideas by the Sea’ prelude to next year’s Big Ideas by the Sea Festival. We can’t think of a better way to turn up the heat on an October evening than with exquisite music and dancing in this distinctive venue.

Charanga del Norte at Scarborough Market Hall, Saturday 26th October, 8pm to 10pm (doors 7.30pm)

Get your tickets by clicking here or in person from Market Tavern.
£16 (no booking fees)

To find out more about the band, visit their website and Charanga Sue
Click here for more Pachanga information.

There is also a FREE event as part of Little Big Ideas by the Sea, the evening before Charnaga del Norte make their appearance:
An Evening of Art and Archaeology!
Friday 25th October 2024, 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Grab a glass of wine or a cup of tea and settle in for an evening of singing (The Marigolds), poetry (Charlotte Oliver and Rowena Sommerville) and a short talk on the Big Dig!
View a new exhibition about the Big Dig and watch a short film about the 2024 Festival.

This event takes place at St Mary’s Church, Castle Road, Scarborough
Book your free tickets here.