YOTOCO
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
YOTOCO brings its five-piece Brooklyn band to Barbès for a late set built around Puerto Rican cuatro, voice, bass, güiro, clave and timbales. Sebastian Lopez plays bass and sings, Natalia Perez handles güiro, clave and voice, Gianni Mano is on timbales, and Geovani Caldero plays Puerto Rican cuatro. The group’s original lyrics, vocal harmonies and rhythm-led arrangements draw together Afro-Caribbean folklore, Son Cubano, cumbia, salsa and plena.
Based in Brooklyn, Yotoco takes its name from the town of Yotoco, Colombia. The band works from the sound of the Puerto Rican cuatro while connecting it to several Afro-Caribbean and Latin musical traditions. Its repertoire is described as combining soulful harmonies with original lyrics and pulsating rhythms, a meeting point of string-led melodies, hand percussion and dance-rooted forms. This Barbès appearance presents that full-band approach rather than a stripped-down configuration.
Barbès offers a compact, warmly worn space where the music feels immediate and close, with a long wooden bar and a back room under a scarlet ceiling that hosts nightly performances. The venue champions a broad spectrum of global sounds, from Balkan brass and klezmer to Afrobeat and experimental jazz, often featuring residencies like the Slavic Soul Party. The audience gathers around small tables or at the bar, sharing drinks crafted with a nod to French spirits, while the music invites attentive listening rather than loud conversation. Shows usually have a suggested donation instead of a cover charge, creating a welcoming environment where the focus is on the artists. The venue’s commitment to accessibility and its role in Brooklyn’s cultural fabric make it a distinctive spot for an evening of richly diverse live music.