Magical Musical Realism with La Descarga: The musical landscapes that inspired Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez's literary work.

Step into the enchanting world of Gabriel García Márquez and experience the magic of his words come alive at our Sounds of Magic Realism event! Gabriel García Márquez was one of the best-known Latin American writers in history. He won a Nobel Prize for Literature, mostly for his masterpiece of magic realism, Cien años de soledad (1967; One Hundred Years of Solitude). Join us for a mesmerizing musical tribute to the literary genius and the captivating genre of Magical Realism that he pioneered. Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of Colombian music, from the bone shaking beats of mapale and puya to the soul-stirring melodies of cumbia and gaita. The sounds of Colombian tropical music will transport you to the ethereal landscapes of Marquez's literary masterpieces, where reality and fantasy intertwine seamlessly. Whether you're a die-hard García Márquez fan or simply a lover of rich cultural experiences, our Sounds of Magical Realism is not to be missed. Come, be part of this unforgettable tribute to a literary legend and revel in the magic of music and words colliding in a night of pure enchantment.

Doors open at 5.30pm Performance begins 6.00pm $12 Non-Members Free for members

Step back in time to the Golden Age of Cumbia at the Brunswick Ballroom on November 3, 2023. Immerse yourself in the rich rhythms and vibrant melodies of Colombian tropical music with the legendary La Descarga Band, true forerunners of this genre in Australia. PBS Radio’s Switched On host DJ Emma Peel will transport you with her vintage tropical vinyl collection, setting the perfect mood for an unforgettable night. Picture yourself on a journey through the history of Colombia's vibrant music and dance culture, from ballroom fiestas in Bogota and Medellin to the sun-drenched beaches of Cartagena and Santa Marta, where the infectious sounds of cumbia fill the tropical air. The evening will be adorned with mesmerizing music and dance performances that will make you feel like you've traveled back in time to experience the true essence of Colombian cumbia. Join us for a night of rhythm, and cultural celebration as we pay homage to the Golden Age of Cumbia, a vibrant fusion of music, dance, and tropicality. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to revel in the magic of Colombian tropical music in the heart of Melbourne