Quinceañera de musica: Clave Caribe at 15

Correspondent Tim Brouk visits Clave Caribe, marking 15 years of adding spice to Lafayette music scene. Plus, prosecutor defends warrant, objects to courtroom cameras in Delphi murder case.

• Thanks to Purdue Convocations, presenting Grandmaster Flash: Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop. NEW DATE: Saturday, Nov. 4. One of the early innovators of hip-hop culture, Flash will showcase his groundbreaking contributions to the genre through an audiovisual lecture/demonstration. FREE at Loeb Playhouse Nov. 4. Special thanks to Based in Lafayette for their support of this event. Standby seating available, learn more.

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Plenty of news today — the Carroll County prosecutor throws shade and an objection to attorneys for Richard Allen’s attempt to toss a search warrant, as well as the feared theatrics of cameras in the courtroom in the Delphi murder case; plans shape up for a community meeting on the Wabash River aquifer pipeline idea; and designs emerge for the first of two Lafayette skateparks. First up, good friend Tim Brouk takes stock in the staying power of Clave Caribe.

Here we go on a Wednesday …

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CLAVE CARIBE CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF ADDING SPICE TO LAFAYETTE MUSIC SCENE

By Tim Brouk / For Based in Lafayette

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One of the steamiest summers on memory coincided with the reignition of one of Lafayette’s hottest, most long-standing bands.

Clave Caribe, the Latin band that has been providing infectious salsa, merengue, reggaeton and cumbia music for Lafayette crowds since 2008, has had a resurgence post-pandemic. The band’s set at June’s Taste of Tippecanoe had hundreds dancing to the band’s signature rhythms. Young and old. American and Latino. Her, him and they. All were dancing in the summer heat, often singing along in Spanish.

Dima Kondratyev, from left, guest vocalist Pancho Rivas and Sandra Usuga Giraldo of Clave Caribe perform at June’s Taste of Tippecanoe. (Photo: Tim Brouk)

Bassist, sometimes guitarist and band founder Tito Toro said the enduring appeal of Clave Caribe is in the music, and the recent excitement is due to a steady lineup and a mix of nationalities melding together for the love of upbeat sounds from Puerto Rico, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and other locations. The sets offer a live mixtape of popular Latin radio tunes as well as fun takes on American rock tunes in Spanish and English.

“The group is getting better, and it sounds better because the guys I have are staying. Before, we had a lot of transition,” Toro said.