One of the many solos throughout the night for singer & trumpet player Enzo Villaparedes. There are chicly-lit booths that adorn the bar, and as I made my way towards the back, I found yet another hidden gem: the smoking lounge. The band stand was on a tiny balcony-like space overlooking the dance area and adjacent bar. I then made my way down a spiral staircase which led me to the main floor. The upper-level entrance evokes a sense of escaping to an underground La Habana, Cuba.
As she opened the exotic double doors she introduced me to the real entrance to the club, which for a minute seemed like I was entering a bordello. It felt like folks installed a humidifier and turned the heat up! Upon entry, a hostess greeted and guided me towards what appeared to be coat closet. So I set off to find out what Wednesday nights at La Descarga night club are all about.Īs soon as I accessed the upper level entrance it felt like I was transported to La Habana – and I mean that literally. But if they are worth their oats they can keep the crowds going like any of the larger ensembles. That being said, the featured quintet, Conganas (for those that don’t know, that means “with feeling,” and is also a play on words!), represented a Rumba or Son Cubano group, more so than a Salsa orchestra.
In Los Angeles, promoters will typically advertise traditional Cuban ensembles and their sets as Salsa, mainly due to the notoriety of the genre.
For nearly five years now, the owners of this Cuban-themed speak easy have been priding themselves on capturing the ambience of pre-Revolucion Cuba. The place is La Descarga night club, located at 1159 N Western Avenue in Hollywood. I must admit I did a double-take when I saw this Hollywood hot-spot promoted as a Cuban Narnia. An inside look shows the chic style of the spot that takes you back to the pre-Revolucion Havana, Cuba.