QUITAPENAS, one word – all caps, four syllables – all claps, gives you a taste of their rhythmic contagion. This tropical Afro-Latin combo was born under the warm California sun. They borrow aesthetics from the radical 60s, 70s and 80s. Each song echoes a remix of history and invites one to engage in the liberating evenings of Angola, Peru, Colombia, Brazil and beyond. The name means “to remove worries.” Everybody has a “pena” and the mission of QUITAPENAS is simple: to make you dance and leave you without a worry.

QUITAPENAS was founded in 2011. The band was formed around their shared love of dance rhythms from the Tropical Afro Latin diaspora. They assembled a group of like-minded friends to share the vision that went on to be QUITAPENAS. The group is made up of first-generation sons of immigrant parents from Guatemala and Mexico.

Come early for pre-show workshops:
3:30-4:30 PM: Capoiera/Maculele with Grupo Ondas **moved to the air-conditioned Casino❄️ just up the hill from the Bandstand**
4:30-5:30 PM: Cumbia music workshop with QUITAPENAS **at the Bandstand**
Our event will emceed by Lydia Perez, founder and artistic director of the Puerto Rican Institute of Arts and Advocacy, Inc.

In the event of rain or disruptive weather, the events will be moved indoors to the Roger Williams Park Casino, located on the hill above the Bandstand – stay tuned to our social media for any announcements.

Accessibility info:

• Wheelchair accessible
• Accessible bathrooms nearby (at the Roger Williams Park Casino)
• Chairs available (first-come, first-served)
• Earplugs available
• For questions about accessibility, contact Rainy Stanford