Sol Libre at Virginia Beach Oceanfront

As many of you may already know, Virginia Beach has been having their Salsa Sunday series in the evenings at the 17th Street stage on the Oceanfront. But this past Sunday, it was a little different. With the weather forecast predicting thunderstorms and showers, I wasn’t too sure there was going to be a performance. I arrived early to find a good spot, and due to the probable weather, it wasn’t too hard to find. To my surprise, there was a good amount of people who stayed besides the possible rain forecast. 

Sol Libre, if your not familiar, is a Spanish-flamenco based group with urban and world percussive rhythms. The group was first created by Jason and Jaime Freeman, and later joined by family members and friends. The band consists of six members, with the following instrumentation: two Spanish-flamenco guitars, electric bass, drums, percussion and tenor sax. 

The band’s repertoire kicks off, while audiences sit back and relax to songs influenced and inspired by gypsy music, as well as some hints of Bob Marley and some James Brown funkiness mixed in. After the band’s first and only break, the rain started to let down, ending their performance short. 

Speaking to Jaime Freeman (guitar) and Brad Brewer (sax), (who hap-pen to be locals, by the way), they mentioned that only in Virginia Beach, no matter the weather, do people come and support the arts. This I found to be true this past Sunday. Now, if you weren’t out there, shame on you! And you said you like Latin music? Anyway, you can still check them out on their website (www.SolLibre.com). 

Until next time, much love y que viva la musica!