Cuba’s Arte Mixto Stirs Spicy Salsa

It is exhilarating to see a contemporary group from Cuba play with the character and finesse of that country’s classic outfits, which is what Arte Mixto did Friday during a seamless showcase at a Whittier College auditorium.

Whereas most contemporary Cuban bands strive to impress their audience by speeding up song tempos and adding American influences to the basic salsa, Arte Mixto musical director Alexis Correa has turned instead to the wholesome roots of traditional Cuban son.

The eight-piece band’s instrumentation is sparse--low on percussion and heavy on infectious vocal harmonies. At the center is the soaring voice of Iris Sandra Cepeda, who deserves a place of honor alongside such legendary Afro-Cuban divas as Graciela and Mercedita Valdes.

Lyrically, the band demonstrates an ability to touch on sexy themes with refreshing wit. On Friday, the spicy “Picante y Sazon” led to a spontaneous exchange between one of the band’s male singers and a woman in the audience, a humorous dialogue loaded with double-entendres.

Audience members, a large number of whom seemed unfamiliar with salsa spice, ended the two-hour concert on their feet, swaying their hips in keeping with the lively musical currents, proving that Arte Mixto’s salsa potion is one delectable drink.

* Arte Mixto performs Friday at the Conga Room, 5364 Wilshire Blvd. 10 p.m. $15-35. (323) 938-1696).