Orquesta Akokán - Cuban Jazz Series

Orquesta Akokán brings its Grammy-nominated Cuban mambo and jazz sound to Blues Alley for the Cuban Jazz Series. Named after a Yoruba word meaning “from the heart,” the ensemble draws on musicians associated with legendary Cuban groups including Los Van Van and Irakere.

Led by Chulo Records producer Jacob Plasse and pianist-arranger Michael Eckroth, the group updates the classic mambo tradition of Pérez Prado and Benny Moré with contemporary and avant-garde ideas. Its 2018 debut on Daptone Records earned a Grammy nomination for Best Tropical Latin Album. Later recordings include *16 Rayos*, which pushed mambo in more experimental directions, and *Caracoles*, which incorporated Congolese spiritual influences into its rhythmic sound. The band’s work has also received recognition from Billboard Latin Music, Telemundo, and Songlines.

When: Saturday, October 10, 2026

Showtimes: 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM

Venue: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007

Tickets: $60 plus $7 in fees; the event is sold out.

Lineup: Orquesta Akokán, featuring musicians from influential Cuban ensembles including Los Van Van and Irakere. The group is led by producer Jacob Plasse and pianist-arranger Michael Eckroth.

Presented by: Co-presented with the Embassy of Cuba.

Seating: Seating is first come, first served at the door.

Doors: For the 7:00 PM show, doors open at 6:00 PM. For the 9:30 PM show, doors open at 8:45 PM.

Food and beverages: A $15 food-and-beverage minimum per person applies and is not included in the ticket price.

Ticket policy: All sales are final. Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Photography and recording: Photography and recording of any kind are prohibited during the performance.

Audience etiquette: Guests are asked to keep conversation to a minimum during the performance.