Flores de Cuba

FLORES DE CUBA captivates audiences with an energetic blend of Salsa, Son, Latin Jazz, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. With an electrifying stage presence and the unmistakable passion of Cuban live music, the band delivers a musical explosion of rhythm, energy, and pure joy.

The group was founded by Ivan Pastrana Palacios, winner of the National University Music Award. An internationally experienced musician, he has worked with world-renowned artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Joe Cocker, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Manolito Simonet, and Los Van Van, and has toured approximately 30 countries.

Drawing on his outstanding connections within the Cuban music scene, he made it his personal mission to create a predominantly female band bringing together some of the finest musicians in the country. And so FLORES DE CUBA was born!

The result is an extraordinary ensemble featuring exceptional female musicians from Havana who have already performed with some of Cuba’s most prestigious groups, including Anacaona, the Tropicana Orchestra, Pupy y Los Que Son Son, and the Adalberto Álvarez Orchestra.

THE MUSICIANS

Leukenia Ayala Pena – Lead Vocals
Her legendary performances at La Floridita, Ernest Hemingway’s favorite bar in Havana, will remain unforgettable for many visitors to Cuba. Wherever she performs, her warm, rich, and soulful voice wins the hearts of audiences.

Yudanis Quintana Gonzalez – Congas / Vocals
She is the daughter of CHANGUITO, one of Cuba’s most celebrated conga players and a founding member of Los Van Van.
From an early age, she absorbed the intricate techniques and musical finesse of conga playing from her father. As a member of ANACAONA, Cuba’s most famous all-female orchestra, she has toured extensively around the world.

Greter Mercader Mayeta – Bass / Vocals
She has performed with leading Cuban bands such as Pupy y Los Que Son Son and the Adalberto Álvarez Orchestra. A remarkably versatile musician, Greter also plays trombone, piano, and guitar.

Lianet Hernández – Piano / Vocals
Even during her music studies, she was already performing with prominent Salsa and Jazz bands. Today, she is regarded as one of the most outstanding young pianists on the Cuban music scene.

Shalia Manzano Griñán “Shia” – Timbales
She has performed with Latin Jazz master Bobby Carcasés, the renowned Anacaona Orchestra, and Cotó, a former member of Soneros de Verdad. Beyond her musical career, she is also a highly sought-after model in the fashion industry.

Rachel Macias – Trumpet
She is an active member of both Anacaona and the Havana Chamber Orchestra.
Karla Dainalie Martinez Disotuar – Trumpet
A member of the legendary Tropicana Orchestra, associated with Cuba’s world-famous Tropicana Cabaret.

FLORES DE CUBA stands for musical excellence, unstoppable female power, and the pure joy of Cuban music – authentic, passionate, and absolutely electrifying!