Every week Havana’s nightlife comes to the Forge. Come and party with London’s Cuban community and their friends, try your hand (or feet) at salsa or enjoy live music from the city’s best Cuban musicians (and others that have flown in to play). What makes The Cuban Jam so special is that the audience takes part. Soon you’ll start seeing familiar faces and become part of the “Cuban Family.” These aren’t dance partners or musicians to listen to for one night, rather a celebration of many to come if you choose. The laid-back, casual atmosphere makes it easy to just immerse yourself in the closest alternative to actually being on the streets of Havana. Every week a different, fluid group of musicians get together on stage, keeping the music authentic but yet with spice and variety. You'll also enjoy the latin beats by our resident DJ Javier “La Maquina” before and after the live band. The bands coming up include: - Fri 22 July: Camina A six-piece band who combine traditional Cuban music with elements of Timba and Salsa. - Fri 29 July: Kandela mi Son A charismatic eastern Cuban band that resonate the pulsing and sensuous streets of Santiago de Cuba. - Fri 5 August: Javier Camilo Band A renowned performer, Javier Camilo is a multi-Instrumentalist & vocalist who performs a wide Latin repertoire. He’s not only one of the UK’s leading Percussion Maestros but also an exceptional guitarist. - Fri 12 August: Son Guarachando Son Guarachando are one of the top exponents of Latin Music working in the UK today.They are fronted by vocalist Adriana Lord, who has been active on the Havana scene for well over a decade. - Fri 19 August: Grupo Lokito Grupo Lokito fuse contemporary Congolese and Cuban music creating a modern day cocktail of two of these great world genres. - Fri 26 August: Jesus Cutiño y Son de Cuba An exciting London based band fronted by guitarist/songwriter Jesus Cutiño. Their repertoire displays both the flamenco and African roots of Cuban music. Get in free before 8, and learn a bit of salsa with the weekly salsa class. Don’t worry if you’ve never salsa’d before, there is a whole community of people here that will happily swing and twirl (with) you. And even if you don’t know the moves later, your feet and hips will get the idea when the music starts. Over 16s only. 16 and 17 year olds must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Valid ID required.