OLA FRESCA is an original Cuban roots dance music project that has been growing for over 15 years through 3 world acclaimed original music albums and various band formats. The band is led by Cuban American composer, singer, songwriter, arranger, multi instrumentalist and bandleader, Jose Conde. From their rustic Cuban roots tinged 2004 debut Ay! Que Rico, to the funky, eclectic Best Latin Album in the 2008 Independent Music Awards, volucion, the band meandered through a spectrum of Latin roots styles and instrumental formats and fused liberally, all while making music that was praised by many such as the NY TIMES for having an “emphasis on songs with characters, wordplay and mild social ideas…good for dancing and thinking!” The format of the band morphed from large “conjunto” ensemble to small combos featuring percussion, brass, saxes and flutes and sometimes Cuban tres so OLA FRESCA presents shows in large and small ensemble formats with equal rhythmic intensity that provoke dancing and festivity in audiences at festivals, concerts or private events.

Since 2004 Ola Fresca has performed in New York, throughout the US, Canada, Mexico and parts of Latin America. Songs from the first two Ola Fresca albums have been featured in numerous widely released albums, films and TV programs. From features on Putumayo and Rough Guide world music compilations to sync licenses on HBO and British Television programs, and stories on US college and public radio, NPR and BBC, the band has received consistent growing positive international exposure. Notable venues that have featured Ola Fresca include Chicago World Music Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, NY Central Park Summerstage, Bocafest in Veracruz Mexico, Green Apple Festival Miami, Santa Monica Twilight Dance Series, Kennedy Center DC, NY Global Rhythm Festival, New Orleans Voodoo Festival etc.