The legendary Cuban diva Omara Portuondo is undertaking a farewell tour, aptly named “Last Kiss.” The Bardavon is privileged to be one of the venues on the itinerary. As an original member of the seminal Buena Vista Social Club (the Ry Cooder album and the Wim Wenders film), Portuondo helped reintroduce the sophisticated and singular music of Cuba to American audiences. She began her career as a dancer at Havana’s famed Tropicana Club in the early 1950s. In 1953, she changed her focus to her singing career, finding success with Cuban vocal group Cuarteto d’Aida.
Portuondo’s final worldwide tour comes on the heels of her most recent album, last year’s Omara Siempre, and a series of high-profile performances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, at the Kennedy Center and more. She will be joined by a traditional piano/bass/drums/percussion lineup consisting of Grammy-nominated pianist Roberto Fonseca, Andres Coayo on percussion, Ruly Herrera on drums and bassist Yandy Martinez.
Omara Portuondo performs at the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie on Sunday, April 28. Tickets cost $44, $59 and $156 (VIP Meet and Greet). Bardavon members get a $5 discount and preferred seating.
Omara Portuondo
Sunday, Apr. 28, 7 p.m.
Bardavon 1869 Opera House
35 Market St., Poughkeepsie
(845) 473-2072, www.bardavon.org
