12-piece:
7m x 3m / 6m x 4m
16 input min + FOH (recommended)
8 microphones

11-piece:
7m x 3m / 6m x 4m
16 input min + FOH (recommended)
7 microphones

10-piece: 7m x 3m / 6m x 4m
16 input min + FOH (recommended)
6 microphones

09-piece: 6m x 3m / 5m x 4m
16 input min + FOH (recommended)
5 microphones

08/07-piece: 5m x 3m
12-input min
4 microphones

06/05-piece: 4m x 3m
08-input min
3 microphones

We provide our own PA/sound courtesy of Tiger Music (who have inherited our Yamaha 16-channel desk and 2 speakers), or we book another musician who provides PA as part of the lineup. However, since we are musicians and not trained sound engineers, we always encourage clients and promoters to organise PA where possible. Most large corporate events and festivals we've played at already do this and it helps having the technical expertise on board to ensure that the event is a resounding success!

As much as possible! Since we are a large ensemble, we usually have a number of cars arriving on site simultaneously. During show advancing, we will liaise with the clients and work on a document where all contact details and timings are listed ensuring everyone is on the same page and smooth arrangements are guaranteed. As standard, we also arrive 3 hours before performance start time, which allows 2 hours for arrival/setup/soundcheck and 1 optional hour for curfew (point at which the band is set up ready with background music on). Any details that the clients can provide will be added to that document and relayed internally to the musicians well-ahead of the date.

Yes, since 2016, we've included bespoke salsa DJ mixes during the pre/post-performance curfews and between sets. Since Rory (bandleader) has years of salsa DJ'ing under his belt, he has a wide catalogue of music, and is constantly updating his mixes to suit the latest and current trends. This service is provided without any extra charge, since it is something we are passionate about and love to share, and it adds to the overall experience! That way, the clients can dance all night long.

We performed a 5-date residency at Jazz Café and sold out on 2 occasions.

Latina Carnivale's big band arrangements were originally inspired by groups such as Israel "Cachao" Lopez and his traditional Cuban music ensemble, Irakere, Paquito D'Rivera/Dizzy Gillespie and the United Nations Orchestra. Later, the ensemble has taken on influences from the New Yoricans such as Tito Puente, Willie Colón, Ray Barreto, Eddie Palmieri, Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, and later, Cuban orchestras such as Giraldo Piloto Y Klimax, Los Van Van, Tirso Duarte, Alexander Abreu Y Havana Primera, Manolito Y Su Trabajo - just to name a few!!

Latina Carnivale came about as a result of a spotlight concert put on at the RNCM in 2009. The bandleader was commissioned to produce a support set for Bassekou Kouyate's headline performance in the Bruntwood Theatre. Rory put together a 19-piece ensemble celebrating traditional Cuban styles of music including Son, Rumba, Cha-cha-chá and bolero. The ensemble was complete with Latin percussion, string section and piccolo to give it that authentic "charanga" feel. Although originally intended as a one-off, the gig was so successful that everyone was asking "when's the next gig"? The band exploded in Manchester with a collective of musicians from the RNCM, Salford, University of Manchester and beyond, with regular gigs at Matt & Phred's Jazz Club, Cultural Collage World Music Festival and Manchester Jazz Festival just to name a few. Although originally a 19-piece, and then a 15-piece, the band was scaled back slightly, and since 2016 has been operating as a 12-piece.

Public events where salsa dance troupes and their friends are encouraged to attend! A big part of the band's development has been the original songs, and although Latin and Cuban music remains the focus, Latina Carnivale very much love to fuse Jazz and popular music influences with salsa and contemporary Latin styles. Their first album even combined these with Brazilian music influences, while the second album returned to slick, contemporary Cuban sound. Latina Carnivale is all about the large ensemble, so bookings where the full 12-piece is hired are encouraged! The brass, vocals and percussions really give it that headline act feel.

Lead Time:
We allocate 3 hours Lead Time which includes 2 hours for Arrive, Setup, Soundcheck and an optional 1 hour Curfew (time at which the band/stage is set up and salsa music is playing).

Live Time:
We perform for a maximum of 120 minutes split over a maximum performance window of 3 hours.

Yes, but only if rain cover is provided, due to the unpredictability of the UK weather. We also ask for a flat level surface and a power supply close to the performance area.

Since we work with various vocalists we book according to the event and repertoire type, we don't typically share our set lists in advance with the clients (since we want it to be a surprise!). However, we want our clients to specify the types of music in advance as Latin music is extremely broad, so please do specify sub-genres plus any specific songs so we can take these into account in our set list. We can cater for a wide range of styles, whether it be Cuban style, New Yorican, Latin Jazz, Latin pop, or a mixture. Do let us know in advance as we tend to mix our original repertoire with the repertoire of whichever vocalists are booked. If a mixture of styles is required (e.g., Latin pop and Fania Label standards) we recommend booking one of the larger lineups that come with multiple vocalists. We are also happy to discuss musical requests with clients pre-contract, and also during the show advance (lead-up), but generally the further in advance, the easiest it is to accommodate!

"High quality music making, energetic and plenty of chutzpah, we would be delighted to have them back." (Imperial College) "Absolutely great evening had by all. Really tight musical group and a great authentic sound. Everyone was up and dancing, would absolutely recommend for any event!" (RAF Wynton) "The performances the band gave were high energy and super fun, and had many of our visitors dancing along with them." (Kew Gardens) "The band was diverse, covering a wide selection of musical genres from Cuban to Nu-Yorican, all of which were very popular songs that went down well with the 1,000 strong audience" (West Dean College Festival) - just a few of our recent testaments. "The band on 12 musicians has a great natural fusion" / "Satisfying anyone from the seasoned aficionado to those looking for something a little bit different, here is a band to ignite and inspire listeners and dancers wherever they appear.” (Jazz Café)

Large Band (9-12 piece)
With the highly sought-after brass section (Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet), full suite of vocalists, percussionists, piano and bass, the full band is the headline act!

12-piece:
Vocals(3),Vocals/Sax, Piano, Bass, Percussion(3), Horns(3)

11-piece:
Vocals(2),Vocals/Sax, Piano, Bass, Percussion(3), Horns(3)

10-piece:
Vocals(1),Vocals/Sax, Piano, Bass, Percussion(3), Horns(3)

09-piece:
Vocals(1),Vocals/Sax, Piano, Bass, Percussion(2), Horns(3)

Medium Band (7-8 piece)
The medium-sized band provides a more affordable option for smaller events.

08-piece:
Vocals(3),Vocals/Sax, Piano, Bass, Percussion(2)

07-piece:
Vocals(2),Vocals/Sax, Piano, Bass, Percussion(2)

Small Band (5-6 piece)
​The small band can play a vibrant mix of salsa and Latin jazz for more intimate settings and occasions.

06-piece:
Vocals(1),Vocals/Sax, Piano, Bass, Percussion(2)

05-piece:
Vocals(1),Vocals/Sax, Piano, Bass, Percussion(1)

Yes! Look no further than Latina Festivale, the instant Latin coffee alternative to the brewed beans of Latina Carnivale. Latina Festivale is available as a 2-4 piece and also available at a discount rate when booked as a support act for Latina Carnivale. Please enquire to discuss options.

Our dress code is smart, formal, white/black with splash of one colour either red or blue (for the Latin format), or green (if a Brazilian format is used).