Key West The Newspaper - July 6, 2001

Luis Bofill Brings Cuban Twist To Virgilio's

Carmelo Vitale is adding a Cuban twist to his popular Virgilio's nightclub this weekend. Nationally vocalist Luis Bofill, with his sextet, will be serving up some hot Cuban grooves both tonight and tomorrow night, Friday and Saturday, July 6-7, 10-2.

Bofill, originally from Cuba, has received numerous awards as a soloist and has shared the stage with stars like Ruben Blades, Marc Anthony, Luis Enrique, Bono, Al Dimeola and many others. His soulful crooning and deft phrasing on boleros has drawn comparisons to the legendary Benny More.

Bofill is known as a traditional Cuban musician with an eclectic flair.

"People are used to salsa, but we show them that Cuban music is something more," says Bofill, "Cuban music is a danzon, a son, a guajira, a bolero, a cha-cha-cha," he explains. "We can mix Cuban with rock, with African music, with pop, with jazz, but it's always going to sound Cuban. This kind of improvised music is dynamic. It has passion, it has energy."

Virgilio's is located on Applerouth Lane.

Guitar Shootout: Carl vs. Carl

THE TWO CARLS— Carl and Carl are at it again. Caffeine Carl Wagoner, right, will join fellow guitar master Carl Peachey and the Unpaid Bartabs at the Schooner Wharf Bar Thursday, July 12, 7-11. You will not believe the roaring musical exchanges. Carl Wagoner and his Funky Beans band will be at the Green Parrot tomorrow night, Saturday, July 7, 10-2.