The relationship between AB and the Buena Vista Social Club is a good one.
Between 1997 (the legendary concert of now deceased pianist Rubén González) and 2007 (the latest BVSC visit to the AB, then still with impressive bassist Cachaíto López, who also passed away in '09) we've welcomed no less than 25,000 visitors for fantastic Cuban son, danzón, cha cha cha and bolero. The World Circuit label, homebase to the authentic(!) BVSC-associated albums, continues to release strong records and the super orchestra continues to tour with a programme consisting of songs derived from the classic BVSC-recordings of '96, up to and and including the present day. Those loyal followers are: GUAJIRO MIRABAL (his untitled album was nominated for the Latin Grammy. The New York Times said it was:
"Brilliant".), AGUAJE RAMOS (key figure in the many BVSC tours) and MANUEL GALBÁN (made his name with doo-wop band Los Zafiros and his album 'Mambo Sinuendo' with Ry Cooder that won a Grammy in 2004).
Each of these snappy seniors has made their own impression upon Cuban music. Note that we're talking about the one-and-only BVSC and not about one of the many orchestras that include 'Buena Vista' (an area in Havana) in their name, thus creating greater confusion. Their previous brilliant performance in the AB (in '07) was completely sold out within a few weeks, this is for those who can decide quickly!