Bio Ritmo is easily one of RVA’s premier bands, and arguably the one that puts the city on the map across the Spanish-speaking world.
Their unconventional brand of salsa, changing up rhythms and incorporating adventurous melodies, makes them pioneers of the genre and heroes to a new generation of Central and South American musicians taking the music beyond strict dancefloor conventions.
There have not been many opportunities to see them in 2017, due mostly to leader/pianist Marlysse Rose Simmons’ relocation to Brooklyn to study with the great Latin bandleader, Arturo O’Farrell. (Although their performance with the Richmond Symphony a couple of months ago was one of the highlights of the year.)
The show at Hofgarden on Broad Street is a benefit for Puerto Rico Independent Musicians and Artists (The P.R.I.M.A. Fund.) In this season of lights, it is all too easy to forget that most of that US territory remains in darkness. So attending means you aren’t just having a good time, but doing something good. What’s better that?
The event starts at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 28 at the Hofgarden. $15 donation. 2818 W. Broad St.
