WHO: The crowd holds their breath, time is suspended in the moment and then it hits you… lights go up and details of your surroundings are fully illuminated for the first time: bronze touches, creamy tropical palettes, rich velvet accents, beautiful people in extravagant fabrics, clinking champagne glasses, and sparkling crystal chandeliers. Lights, sound, action! From Thursday, May 12 through May 14, Miami’s newly opened, buzz-worthy cabaret, El Tucán, draws the curtains on Gerardo Contino y Los Habaneros for a weekend takeover launch.

The Havana-born Gerardo Contino, “El Abogado de la Salsa,” is a Cuban singer and songwriter. This former lead singer of the Cuban mega-group NG La Banda is a party onstage: he loves to improvise, pull the audience into call & response, and provoke fans into hip-shaking abandon. Since moving to New York City, Gerardo started his own band, “Gerardo Contino y Los Habaneros,” with Axel Tosca Laugart, Luisito Quintero, and John Benitez. They released their debut album, Somos Latinos, in 2013 to very high critical acclaim. Together the two have toured all over the world, as well as in Gerardo’s new hometown, NYC.

WHAT: Offering a departure from the usually scheduled shows, “Weekend Takeovers” will bring to the stage an exciting, new concert series. El Tucan hopes to enlighten Miami by providing access to unique Latin American talent. Once a month, the weekend takeover will also bring great Cuban bands from New York to perform an exclusive 3 day residency.

Performing Thursday, May 12 through May 14, Gerardo Contino y Los Habaneros will be the second installment of the weekend takeover. After a successful Weekend Takeover this past April by Chino Pons y Grupo Irek, another New York City cuban artist, the venue is excited to have Gerardo Contino y Los Habaneros join them this month of May for the next 3 day residency.

“Once a month, we hope to give people the chance to catch something different, fresh and from another city. With this, we hope to highlight the best talent in town as well as showcase strong talent outside of Miami.” Quotes Emilia Menocal, Creative Director of El Tucan.

WHEN: Thursday, May 12 through May 14, 2016

RSVP: El Tucan has one live music and entertainment show on Thursday, and two seatings Friday through Saturday. First dinner seating offers availability at 8:00 pm and the second seating over the weekend is at 11:00 pm. Guest should arrive promptly and with all guests in attendance prior to being seated. There is a 15 minute maximum hold time for all table reservations. To request dinner reservations, please call 305-535-0065.

Dinner reservations are not required of all guests, and El Tucan invites guests to gather at the bar and general admission area to enjoy the show. General admission is $20 for gentlemen and complimentary for the ladies, please visit the box office upon arrival.

WHERE: 1111 SW 1ST AVE Miami, Florida, 33130

Instagram: @eltucanmiami | Twitter: @eltucanmiami | FB: El Tucán Miami