Belinda Underwood, vocalist and bassist for Mango Nights, poses here for a special salute to the Tango Revolucion. When the Argentine military government came to power, large gatherings such as tango dances were forbidden and forced underground. The Conga Club becomes the 'tango speak easy' harkening back to the time when tango was a form of protest against oppression. Dressing in masquerade is encouraged, or wear a mask given out at the door, optional.
To the good folks at
www.TangoPdx.com, thank you for your sponsorship of this special event!
Enjoy the huge 1,300 square foot Brazilian Cherry wood dance floor, full bar and great sound system the the Conga Club, one of Portland's newest club hot spots for live music and dance. It's easy to park at the Conga with it's large, well lighted parking lot directly in back.
www.congaclubpdx.com
Also, special guest and composer, Duncan Neilson, will be appearing to hear our arrangement of his original tango piece called "The Tangle Lesson". I recently had the privilege of meeting composer Duncan Neilson, who has just moved to Portland after working and living in New York City for 12 years. He explained how he came to compose his tango piece called “The Tangle Lesson” which involves the Portland tango community. He sent me this email to tell the story in his own words:
Duncan: “Here's the story: I was sitting in the Gypsy catching up with a friend in the late 1990s (probably ’97 or ’98). The service at the Gypsy was particularly slow that evening, and after talking with the waitress we learned that they were understaffed that night— she was the only one on duty—and she was feeling especially frustrated. We were planning on leaving her a really big tip, especially since some of the other customers were being rude to her because of the slow service. Just then a huge crowd left Cinema 21, walked across the street to the Gypsy, completely filled the lounge, took over the stereo (much to the waitress’ chagrin) and started dancing to scratchy tango records. The movie they had just watched was a film called “The Tango Lesson”. At one point the record skipped and all the dancers began to contort and lose their step and laugh— and even the waitress smiled.
That wonderful moment of mayhem when the record began to skip suggested the title "Tangle Lesson"-- and I wrote a piano composition based on the experience.
I gave Sue my permission to arrange the composition after I met her at Vie De Boheme several evenings ago".
Duncan Neilson
Thank you for visiting! Above are some samples of new Tango songs composed by Myriam Mees in 2005, arranged by Gunter Van Rompaey. We will be in the studio working on a CD of our own arrangements of these songs plus classical Tango from Troilo, Donato and more. Check back for updates.
Band leader Sue Lewis recruits the finest professional, creative and innovative musicians in the NW. The band specializes in danceable Tango music plus an eclectic mix from various genres and countries that is suitable for any event such as Latin, jazz, Gypsy, classical, world music and more.
Violinist Sue Lewis exemplifies the perfect harmony of gorgeous tone and passion for which her music is so famous. On piano is Tino Ferraro who has extensive experience in several genres from pop to classical to Latin and more. On upright bass is singer/songwriter Belinda Underwood, a delight to both the ears and eyes. Joining us on accordion is Lisa Shawley who is just back in the States after a three year tour in South America and Europe. Joining us on percussion is Caton Lyles, studio musician and actor (SAG) with vast experience in many styles including Latin.
For the added excitement of a full orchestral effect, Mango Nights can bring in additional percussion, strings, woodwinds and brass. Let the party begin!
We hope to see you again! Check back later for new updates to our website. There's much more to come!
Call Sue Lewis at 503-268-2404 for booking information
