Francisco Aguabella at Steamers Jazz Cafe

With slender walk ways and clustered tables, it might seem impossible for anyone brave enough to get up and cut a rug to some good jazz at Steamers. But when it comes to a Francisco Aguabella performance, people manage to find the room. Aguabella's hypnotic conga playing has been one of the clubs biggest monthly events, and for good reason. This icon of Afro-Cuban jazz has been around long enough to have complements from Dizzie Gillespie on his resume. He once called Aguabella "The John Coltrane of conga drums". Now in his 80's Aguabella is still packing 'em in with his masterfully raw drum skin slaps. By the time his set is in full swing, every corner of the room is meshed into one big vibing bowl of soul. A note of advice before you go...don't wear a sweater, it gets hot.
Sat., Sept. 13, 8:30 p.m., 2008