Virtuosic Afro-Cuban Duo, OKAN, to Perform at Caffe Lena, Jan. 10th

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Performing on the historic Caffe Lena stage on January 10th is OKAN. The “[l]ush and vibrant” global Afro-Cuban violin/percussion duo OKAN take inspiration from their rich Cuban roots, its folk music, and Santeria, making this an entertaining night out that is not to be missed!

Fusing Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk and global rhythms in songs about immigration, resistance and love, OKAN takes their name from the word for heart in their Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. With vocals in Spanish, English and Spanglish, OKAN is led by classically trained Cuban-born violinist and vocalist Elizabeth Rodriguez and Santiago de Cuba percussionist and vocalist Magdelys Savigne, both Grammy and Latin-Grammy nominees.

Passionate advocates for freedom of expression, queer rights and gender equality, OKAN has gained a reputation for their powerful live performances, which showcase their incredible harmonies, virtuosic musicianship, potent lyrics as well as an unfailing ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. Embracing genres that have not historically fostered women artists outside of the role of singer, OKAN co-leaders have faced many challenges. Savigne talks about the obstacles she faced in pursuing percussion in her native Cuba and how “coming out as a percussionist” to her family. was as big a deal as coming out as queer. Part of the next wave of Cuban women composers and multi-instrumentalists, Rodriguez and Savigne bring a fresh perspective to Latin and world jazz fusion through their powerful harmonies, elevated musicianship and provocative but playful lyrical content.

TICKET INFORMATION:

Doors open at 7:00 pm for the 7:30 pm show. Tickets are $22.00 for general admission, $20.00 for members, and $11.00 for students and children. To purchase your ticket, please click here. For those that wish to catch the show via livestream, they may purchase access for $5.00. Purchase access to the livestream by clicking here.