Ivan Cuesta

Inspired by the rhythms of vellenato, an accordion and percussion style of dance music that blends Spanish, African and Indian influences, Colombia-born vocalist and accordion player, Ivan Cuesta formed the tradition-rooted band, Ivan Cuesta And His Baltimore Vallenatos shortly after moving to Baltimore, Maryland in 1976. Although the six-piece group, which is occasionally billed as Ivan Cuesta Y Sus Vallenatos has increasingly added new influences, including Tex-Mex and Zydeco, they remain deeply entrenched in traditional northern Colombian dance music. ~ Craig Harris