Although Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca have been a Los Angeles-based group since 1990, their music is saturated with sounds from around the globe.
With band members of Angolan, Guatemalan, Cuban, American, German, Congan and Spanish descent, their Afro-Cuban sound is infused with elements from salsa, soukous, merengue and Afro-Portuguese styles.
Lemvo has been a pioneer in the salsa music scene.
He sings not only in English and Spanish but French, Portuguese, Lingala and Kikongo. He and Loca invigorate their audiences with their attacking horns and masterful percussion, combining the Latin, African, and Portuguese elements to create an inspiring and innovative new style.
A native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lemvos mastery of languages dazzles his audience.
Only one concert left after tonight.
The popular Carl Verheyen Band featuring rock, blues, jazz, Cajun and country will be the closing act next Thursday, Aug. 30.
Gary Mandell of Boulevard Music is the producer of the Music Festival that is presented by the city of Culver City. City Hall is at 9770 Culver Blvd. Free underground parking is available, and many Downtown restaurants are open after the concert.
For more information, visit www.culvercity.org or call the Cultural Affairs hotline at 310.253.5716.