Argentina’s very own Los Cafres is bringing its massive catalog of reggae hits to The Ford on Saturday, August 10th. This is one summer concert you won’t want to miss: find out why the Buenos Aires-born band has retained its illustrious status as an international representative of the voice and sound of Latin roots reggae. Tickets for the concert start at $42, but you also have the chance to win tickets during our upcoming giveaway. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to learn more about the ticket giveaway!
Who are Los Cafres?
Over three decades ago, Los Cafres made history as the first to translate roots reggae to Spanish, forever solidifying them as one of the found bands of Latin American reggae. They made their live debut at a pub in the Barrio Norte neighborhood of Buenos Aires in 1987 but soon went on an indefinite hiatus due to the economic and political turmoil that swept through Brazil in the late 1980s, with some members emigrating out of the country.
Reconvening in 1992, the band affirmed its return through a series of performances across their home city as well as with the release of debut album Frecuencia Cafre (1994)—which at the time was the only roots reggae album sung in Spanish to ever be recorded. They followed up that historic milestone with Instinto (1995), a record that Rolling Stone Argentina would name the “best album in the history of Argentine reggae.” Their popularity in Latin America exploded through the 1990s but it was ¿Quién da más? (2004) that propelled them toward a breakthrough that’s been since bolstered by their ceaseless recordings of original material and cover albums—not to mention their characteristically magnetic live shows.
The current lineup of Los Cafres includes Guillermo Bonetto (vocals), Claudio Illobre (keyboards), and Gonzalo Albornoz (bass), with support from Manuel Fernández Castaño (saxophone), Willy Rangone (trumpet), Víctor Raffo (rhythm guitar), Demian Marcelino (lead guitar), and Iván Mustapich (drums).
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What to expect
Either you’re familiar with the expansive discography of Los Cafres or you’re stumbling on them for the first time. For those in the latter category, if it’s not obvious by now, the Argentine outfit has spent its career enchanting the world over with the warm luxuriance of its Latin reggae sound. From the ska and rocksteady fusions of roots reggae to the fervent romance and rock influences of lovers rock, expect Bonetto and his band of incredible musicians to use their sublime, staccato melodies to lure you into a world of dreamy joy and yearning passion. The two live albums they’ve released—Vivo a lo Cafre (2002)and Luna Park (2006)—are necessary listening if you want to preview the intoxicating energy they bring to every performance.
Who should go
Representing an intersection of Afro-Latin music, those who want to enjoy a night of reggae through the lens of one of South America’s great live acts should absolutely get tickets to see Los Cafres. This will be their first time at The Ford as well, one of our favorite outdoor venues because of its goldilocks atmosphere: not so big that it loses its intimacy, but large enough to put on big shows that feel like one massive dance party. So if you’ve been craving a night of impeccable music to vibe to with a thousand other reggae lovers then this is probably the one show this season you cannot miss! There’s also the possibility that Los Cafres will dust off a few of the many covers they’ve recorded over the years, from Bob Marley and The Beatles to fellow Argentinians Los Fabulosos Cadillacs.
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Saturday nights at The Ford
Los Cafres will be taking the stage on Saturday, August 10th at 8pm sharp. That means you have zero excuses to make this concert a truly unforgettable experience. With all the dancing you’re going to be doing you’ll no doubt be sore but what are Sundays for if not to nurture the physical consequences of a Saturday night? We guarantee you’re going to get lost in the band’s sprawling setlist—which will start to blur together as a single, unending extravaganza of reggae rhythms—and whatever cocktail you’ll be double-fisting. So take advantage of either Go Metro or rideshare options when planning your visit. You’re not going to want to put a limit on the endless fun you’ll have with fellow reggae lovers for Los Cafres at The Ford!
Bring your own food and drinks
Just because this is a weekend show doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get to the venue early! There are plenty of reasons to do so—especially if this is your first time at The Ford. Albeit this best motivation is the chance for a little pre-game action at one of the many picnic sites spread out across the grounds. There are several on the path leading up to the amphitheater and tables at the Edison Plaza and Zev Terrace. Pack snacks and a meal plus any beer or wine you plan to imbibe in order to prep yourself for a night of dancing! No hard liquor is allowed in but you know what is? All the ingredients that are necessary for Angelenos to concoct a few preshow micheladas!
Several other remarkable events during The Ford’s 2024 season also celebrate the history, beauty, and longevity of Latin music traditions. Some of our favorites include Meridian Brothers with QUITAPENAS, 8th Annual Boleros De Noche featuring José Feliciano and Los Caramelos, 100 Años de Libertad, Noche de Cumbia: Son Rompe Pera, Reyna Tropical, and Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, and more!
