If you have been looking for a reason to make the drive up to South Burlington this fall, here it is: the Buena Vista Orchestra is coming to Higher Ground‘s Ballroom on Thursday, October 15, and this is the kind of show that earns the trip.
About Buena Vista Orchestra
The Buena Vista Orchestra is billed as the world’s foremost Cuban music repertory ensemble — and the lineup backs it up. The group draws its musicians from the actual lineage of the Buena Vista Social Club, the AfroCuban All Stars, and bands that backed Celia Cruz, Omara Portuondo, and Chucho Valdés. These are not tribute-act musicians.
This year’s ensemble is led by Cuban violinist Rolando Morejón Reyes, in his second year as director and arranger. Alongside him: trumpeter Antonio Perigo, pianist Helder Rojas, trombonist Yosmel Garceran, and percussionists Miguel Valdés and Pepe Espinosa (a Latin Grammy nominee). Lead vocals come from Latin Grammy winner Barbara Zamora Vargas and Julio Rodriguez Delet, a veteran of Broadway’s Buena Vista Social Club Musical.
The orchestra arrives in South Burlington mid-run on a 37-date world tour, fresh off stops in Boston, Manhattan, and Morristown — and heading to Montreal the very next night. They are traveling in support of a forthcoming studio album recorded in Philadelphia and Miami, featuring Omara Portuondo on “Chan Chan.” Their 2025 live album En Vivo is also available at the show on CD and limited-edition vinyl. Earlier this year they played the Seoul Jazz Festival, Middelheim in Belgium, and BeachLife in California — this is not a regional act doing a quiet fall run.
About Higher Ground
This is an all-ages show at Higher Ground‘s Ballroom, 1214 Williston Rd in South Burlington. The 750-capacity room is a solid fit for an ensemble this size. Doors are at 7:00 PM, show at 8:00 PM — give yourself time to settle in before the music starts. Higher Ground sits in the North Country coverage area, an easy drive from Burlington and accessible from across the Champlain Valley.
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now. This is a mid-week date on a busy international tour — don’t wait around on this one.