Sierra Maestra

Sierra Maestra is your go-to Cuban son band keeping traditional rhythms alive with modern flair. Formed in 1976 by University of Havana students, this Grammy-nominated group takes its name from Cuba’s revolutionary mountain range – and they’ve been staging their own musical revolution ever since. Starting as acoustic purists reviving 1920s son cubano (the root of salsa!), they’ve evolved to mix electric bass and brass while staying true to the tres guitar and bongo-driven grooves of legends like Arsenio Rodríguez.

Known for turning concerts into dance parties, these ambassadors of Cuban music have shared stages with Buena Vista Social Club stars and dropped timeless tracks like "Échale Salsita." Their recent releases – from the cheeky "Aunque Mami No Quiera" to the sly "Yo Soy Tiburón" – prove they still deliver the smoky, hip-swaying magic that’s made them global icons for nearly 50 years. Fun fact: When they’re not touring, you might catch them schooling new musicians on keeping son’s legacy alive!