Xiomara Laugart
Arthur's Tavern57 Grove Street, New York 10014
Xiomara Laugart is billed at Arthur’s Tavern for an evening led by the Cuban singer known to many Havana arrivals through her recording of “Hoy mi Habana,” heard at José Martí International Airport. The listing gives no accompanying lineup and does not identify a particular album, tribute, guest, or themed program, placing the focus on Laugart’s voice and repertoire. Arthur’s describes her as an artist who moves naturally among styles, with jazz influences running through Cuban rhythmic folk songs and African and Caribbean elements.
Born in Cuba, Laugart has performed internationally for more than 30 years and recorded over 17 albums in her native country. Known there as “The Voice of Cuba,” she was a muse to Nueva Trova artists and has recorded and shared stages with Omara Portuondo, Pablo Milanés, Silvio Rodríguez, and Raúl Torres. After arriving in New York, she appeared as a guest vocalist on recordings by Kip Hanrahan, Ellipsis Art, and Jacky Terrasson, and featured on a Fun Lovin’ Criminals single. She also helped found the New York collective Yerba Buena as its lead vocalist; its debut, President Alien, received a Grammy nomination. Arthur’s praises her “vocal virtues, and flexibility” and calls her sound “liquid” and garrulous.
Arthur's Tavern is a basement club in the West Village where jazz, Latin, and blues are played with deep roots and modern energy. The stage is small, the room intimate, and the audience sits close to the musicians, often with a few people standing near the back. Shows start around 5 PM and go late, with some sets extending into the early hours. The club has a history of hosting top-tier performers since 2001, including regular appearances by Yuichi Hirakawa Jazz Group. It's a place where music is the center, and conversation flows naturally between the audience and the performers.