How many times have you watched those Bacardi ads – you know, long-limbed, scantily-clad girls and toned, buffed lads in muscleshirts having a blast at the Alcopop-factory and getting wet and raunchy in the process – and wished you were there? Well, you needn’t wish any longer, because the Latin Quarter Festival is coming to Dublin. Bacardi are bringing the best of Latin music to Temple Bar on August bank holiday weekend in a bid to heat up the Irish summer. The programme aims to capture the spirit and exoticism of the Latin Quarter (as seen in those sexy ads…) at various venues across Dublin’s nightlife quarter.
The weekend will get off to a great start on Friday with Norman Jay, OBE (yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, real music royalty – literally!) DJing his socks off at the Temple Bar Music Centre. Norman plays a very fine brand of Latin-infused funky House and if it’s good enough for Queen Liz, who are we to argue. Support on the night comes from Dublin’s very own Bodytonic, the music collective known to House-lovers from their regular appearances at Wax.
Meanwhile, in Meeting House Square, Rodrigo Y Gabriela will be tuning their guitars for another evening of their unique blend of Latin, Jazz and Flamenco with metal touches. Irish audiences have already firmly embraced this Mexican duo, as the huge turnouts at their regular gigs and the popularity of their new live album prove. The open-air atmosphere will only add to the experience of their beautiful performance.
On Saturday, there will be no time to rest, with an afternoon jam-packed with performances at the Latin Carnival. Artango, two dancers and two musicians from Argentina, put on a great show and will leave you feeling, er, Tango-ed. Ariel Hernandez is also from Argentina but takes down the pace a notch for folk inspired music and song. After that little breather, Exogroove will pick up speed with dancers, percussion, singers and Latin soul. There will also be Capoeria on the Square for all those who still haven’t had enough of the new ubiquitous ethno-fad, a performance by Tumble Circus, and a special Latin edition of the Temple Bar Food Market and Fashion Market.
On Saturday evening, it will all be happening at Meeting House Square again, where Trio Mocoto from Brazil headline. They are widely considered to be the “Fathers of Samba Soul” and are true veterans of their genre. They are back after an absence of over twenty years and, by all accounts, they’re still in flying form. They’ll be joined on stage by Irish Salsa-aficionados Havana Che, a troupe of Irish and Cuban musicians who promise to get you jiggin’ with it.
Martin Morales will be well known to fans of Latin music thanks to his successful compilations and international performances at clubs and festival. Futuro Flamenco Club is a monthly night in London run by Martin and will be coming to Temple Bar Mucic Centre for one night only and, the support will be Alex Wilson R+B and DJ Lubi
On Sunday, the festival will slowly be winding down, but it ain’t over ’til the Latin lady sings, and there are several more great performances lined up. Salsa Celtica sounds like it shouldn’t work but apparently it does. Their fused sound of Latin rhythms with Scottish folk melodies has actually won them critical acclaim internationally and if you still can’t believe it you’d better head to Meeting House Sqare to hear it for yourself. The Scottish Latinos will be joined by DJ Lubi, Salsoul, Ariel Hernandez and Dermot Dunne.
And if all that isn’t enough for you, there are plenty of other fun and free activities going on around Temple Bar all weekend. The
Latin House DJ Pub Trail can be sought and found at a selection of bars, playing an eclectic mix of Latin house beats, grooves and hot Salsa. There will also be an exhibition of contemporary Mexican Art in association with the Embassy of Mexico.
Plenty to keep you going all weekend long, then – welcome to the Latin Quarter!
Fiona Brutscher 
