(MAXIMA ALERTA live at La Havana 59)
This Halloween I was treated to a most memorable night. A unique experience in which all the stars seemed align, and in a most unexpected way and place. I became witness and participant to a wonderful cuban night and an energetic dance party with the electrifying musical group MAXIMA ALERTA. How I got there, and what I experienced, needs sharing.
It was a Tuesday night, and I thought this Halloween was not going to live up to prior years, so for something different my friend and me went over to Moonachie, NJ where friends had recommended this off-the-beaten-path cuban restaurant. I thought to myself, why not. After all, I always had a liking for creole caribbean cuisine. I headed there with my longtime female companion for a quiet cuban meal. Oh boy!!! Nothing from quiet nor tame. What we found was a packed to the hilt place with a completely engulfing indescribable beautiful energy. I thought I was in Havana, Cuba during, how I imagined would be, carnaval. People were swaying, the food smelled delicious, and everyone was getting their cell phones ready for the start of the show.
(MAXIMA ALERTA vocalists Claudio Lozano, Ray Machado, and Lucio Fernandez.)
A young lady greeted us at the door, and quickly called over an older gentlemen, who we later learned was Mr. Manuel, the proprietor. He quickly made some hand gestures, and within seconds another man approached us to also greeted us with a smile from ear to ear. I thought to myself, where can we possibly sit? The place was packed. We were escorted to our table by a very cordial smiling young man with a charming English accent, and immediately were offered complimentary "Mojito's". I guess we looked like newcomers. The table was perfectly located to one side of the room adjacent to a side wall for comfort and privacy.
Within minutes of receiving the sexy cuban drinks, the lights dimmed... smoke filled the base of the stage... and suddenly the drummer
(Emilio Valdes) broke into an indescribable drum solo encompassing son cubano, cuban guaguanco, and a hard driving rock beat. The band, all in white and wearing white carnaval masks, slowly joined in. It was wonderful. It was sensual. It was beautiful. Suddenly the lead singer
(Lucio Fernandez), partly dressed as the "Joker" (remember it's Halloween night) bounced onto the stage and announced the other two lead vocalists
(Claudio Lozano and Ray Machado), both who seem to fly onto the stage. They sang, they danced and gyrated, but man what energy!!! They were on fire. The energy was contagious, everyone jumped to their feet in complete glee. Cell phones were snapping pictures and videos. My partner and I were completely swept away by the whole thing. We too were screaming as though we were teenagers in a KISS concert. It was exhilarating... the drums, the congas, the metals, the hard driving lyrics, and that beautiful woman
(Flor Fitzgerald) playing the keyboard as though it was her lover. We couldn't stop dancing.
(MAXIMA ALERTA... Flor Fitzgerald, Keyboard)
We danced their entire first set without even knowing what we were dancing to or who the band was. We just knew it was oh so good. After the first set, we sat down and ate a big portion of my favorite cuban food "Ropa Vieja" with "Congri" and "Platanitos Maduros". And yes a few more "Mojitos". Mr. Manuel, the owner, came over and sat with us and spoke to us as though we were family. He was so warm and welcoming. I took the opportunity to ask him the name of the band. He was surprised. He thought we had come to hear them play like the rest of the crowd. He went on to tell us all about this group MAXIMA ALERTA, and how they were the number one reggeaton band in Cuba. How they were the creators of the sound Cubaton, and how they migrated to the US escaping communism. Apparently they have a huge following. It was a Tuesday night in a restaurant in the middle of nowhere in "Jersey", and the place was sold out. Manuel called the waiter over to make sure we were ok. With that, he flashed us a big smile and headed into the crowd greeting everyone he walked past. Before the band took to the stage for a second time, I went over and greeted them. They were all so courteous and warm spirited, which added to their likeability.
(MAXIMA ALERTA... Expedito Valez, Trombone; Doenyn Dominguez & Daniel Dominguez, Trumpets.)
The second set was even more exciting than the first. It was joyous. The band's DJ (Jose Alfoso) was dancing as much as the three front guys. The entire band was gyrating. We danced the set away in the midst of all these strangers. It didn't matter. We were all moving to the same beat. And the conga line at the end of the set was so much fun. Even the musicians joined in. It was so completely gratifying. An unforgettable night. A most memorable Halloween.
(MAXIMA ALERTA percussion... Miguel Valdes, Congas and Emilio Valdes, Drums.)
We called an UBER and headed back home. Our hearts were still racing, but we were spent. What a night. The restaurant La Havana 59 is a gem of a place, and the musical group MAXIMA ALERTA has two new fans. Cuban culture is like no other.... hospitable, sensuous, fun, and so much more. Thank you. Thank you for such a wonderful experience.
