Cali Before Salsa: Music and Nightlife in the 'Sucursal del Cielo' (1920-1950)

Introduction

Salsa is the sound of the present in Cali, but before Caribbean rhythms dominated the scene, the city was a melting pot of musical genres that shaped its identity. Between 1920 and 1950, Cali experienced a cultural effervescence that brought to life rhythms such as jazz, bolero, and Andean traditions. This article will take you on a sonic journey through the history of music in the 'Sucursal del Cielo', exploring how these genres helped define the nightlife and culture of Cali long before salsa became its emblem.

Jazz and Swing in Cali

In the 30s and 40s, jazz and swing began to resonate in the clubs and bars of Cali, marking the start of a connection with African American music. The influence of these genres was so strong that it can be said that Cali became a small epicenter of jazz in Colombia. Clubs like Club Social de Cali and El Café de la Música were filled with young people enjoying performances by local orchestras playing the melodies of Duke Ellington and Count Basie.

Local musicians began to experiment with these rhythms, incorporating elements of traditional Colombian music, creating a unique sound that resonated throughout the city. Dance nights were a spectacle, where improvisation and creativity were the order of the day. Jazz not only became part of the nightlife, but also helped open the doors to other genres that would later merge with salsa.

The Piquerismos and Andean Music

Another fundamental pillar of Cali's musical life was the piquerismos and Andean music. In the 'bambuqueras', spaces where poets improvised verses with clever rhymes, traditional Andean music intertwined with popular culture. This type of poetic improvisation, known as 'piqueria', became a symbol of the region's cultural identity.

The 'bambuqueras' not only provided a space for musical art but also became centers of socialization. To the rhythm of instruments like the tiple and guitar, the people of Cali celebrated life, creating a festive atmosphere that was hard to resist. This Andean legacy still resonates in the music of Cali today, demonstrating that tradition always finds a way to adapt and survive.

Dance Orchestras and Bolero

Amidst this mix of influences, bolero rose as one of the most romantic and popular genres of the time. During the 40s and 50s, dance orchestras began to flourish in Cali. Groups like Los Dinámicos and La Orquesta de la Radio delighted attendees in dance halls like Salón Rojo, where lovers were swept away by the sweet melodies of bolero.

The dance halls were a key meeting point for the youth of Cali. With an atmosphere filled with romance, it was common to see couples dancing to songs that spoke of love and heartbreak. These spaces not only offered music but also a social experience that united the community through dance and music. Bolero became a symbol of the nightlife culture of Cali, paving the way for the arrival of new rhythms.

The Arrival of Radio and the 'Hora Caleña'

Radio played a crucial role in the dissemination of these musical genres among the population. With the arrival of stations like La Voz de Cali and Radio Melodía in the 40s, music began to reach every corner of the city. The 'Hora Caleña', a program that broadcast live music, became a phenomenon, creating a community of listeners who gathered around the radio to enjoy the hits of the moment.

This phenomenon not only allowed music to democratize but also helped cement Cali's musical identity. Families gathered around the radio, sharing moments and memories intertwined with the melodies they listened to. Radio was undoubtedly a vehicle that brought the community closer to music and prepared the ground for the arrival of salsa in the 60s.

The Ancestors of Salsa

In the popular neighborhoods of Cali, 'Cuban son' and 'guaracha' began to resonate at parties and family gatherings, laying the groundwork for what would later be the salsa explosion. These genres, which arrived in the city through radio and records, offered a new rhythm that combined Afro-Caribbean influence with local sounds.

Parties in patios and homes were filled with music, where people danced and enjoyed, creating a festive atmosphere that characterized the city. Local musicians began to incorporate these rhythms into their performances, giving life to a sound that would eventually transform into the salsa we know today. The transition between these genres and salsa was natural, and the city began to prepare for the musical revolution that would come in the following decades.

Conclusion

The musical evolution of Cali is a reflection of its rich social and cultural history. From jazz and bolero to Andean traditions and the arrival of radio, each element has contributed to forging the city's musical identity. Although salsa stands today as the sonic emblem of Cali, we cannot forget the roots that sustain it. Music in Cali is a journey through time, where every note and every rhythm tells a story.

Do you have a vinyl or a story from your grandparents about the dance clubs of that time? Share it with us in the comments.

Origins

Before the streets of Cali were filled with the contagious rhythm of salsa, the city vibrated with a musical diversity that reflected its rich cultural heritage. In the first half of the 20th century, Cali was a meeting point for genres like bolero, jazz, and tropical music, which intertwined to give life to a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene.

The influence of Afro-Colombian communities was fundamental in this musical evolution. During the 20s and 30s, black music, particularly Cuban son and jazz, began to gain popularity in the city. Nightclubs, like the famous El Teatro de la Música, became meeting centers where local and outsider musicians could exchange ideas and rhythms. This cultural exchange laid the foundation for the future flourishing of salsa in Cali.

During this period, the music of the region was also influenced by the development of the coffee industry and the arrival of workers from various parts of the country, who brought their rhythms and traditions. The mix of these influences gave rise to a unique musical identity that began to consolidate in the city.

Moreover, the rise of radio in the 40s allowed these genres to spread beyond local clubs, bringing Cali's music to a wider audience. Stations began to program boleros and tropical music, making these rhythms an integral part of the daily life of the people of Cali.

For those looking to understand and appreciate the musical history of Cali, it is recommended to visit some of the iconic places that still hold the essence of that era:

The Theater of Music

This historic theater was an epicenter of entertainment during the 20s and 30s. Insider Tip: Look for retro music events that are often held here to relive the atmosphere of yesteryear.

The House of Music

A contemporary place that celebrates Cali's musical heritage. Insider Tip: Participate in music and dance workshops they offer, where you can learn about the rhythms that preceded salsa.

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Timeline or Historical Milestones

• 1920: The Arrival of Jazz and Bolero

  The influence of jazz and bolero began to set the pace of nightlife in Cali. With the arrival of Afro-Colombian musicians and the opening of clubs, these genres became the soul of festivities. Insider Tip: Visit the San Antonio neighborhood, where echoes of these rhythms can still be heard in bars that preserve the tradition.

• 1930: Expansion of Cuban Son

  Cuban son arrived in Cali, bringing with it a new way to dance and enjoy music. Local orchestras began to adapt and merge styles. Insider Tip: Don't miss the Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival, which, although focused on Pacific music, pays homage to these musical roots.

• 1940: The Era of Big Bands

  The big salsa orchestras began to form, and Cali became a meeting point for musicians from different genres. The competition among bands was fierce, raising the level of live music. Insider Tip: Attending performances at La Casa de la Música will give you a good sample of local talent and its evolution over the years.

• 1950: The Transition to Salsa

  With the emergence of salsa, Cali began to transform. Caribbean rhythms started to dominate the scene, preparing the ground for what would be Cali salsa. Insider Tip: Explore the bars on Avenida Sexta, where salsa and traditional music intertwine in live performances.

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Key Figures or Events

Edmundo Arias

A prominent composer and orchestra director who, in the 1940s, was instrumental in introducing Afro-Antillean rhythms into Cali's music. His work with the orchestra "Los Melódicos" marked a turning point in the fusion of genres.

Lucho Bermúdez's Orchestra

Considered one of the most influential orchestras in Cali, Lucho Bermúdez revolutionized typical Colombian music by incorporating elements of jazz and Afro-Antillean music. His success in the 1950s helped position the city as a musical center.

The Café del Parque

An iconic place where musicians and bohemians of the time gathered. This café, although no longer exists, was a hotbed of ideas and creativity. Insider Tip: Look for stories from the city's elders; they often have fascinating tales about the nights of music and poetry that took place there.

The House of Music

This space was the epicenter of musical life in the 40s and 50s, where concerts were held and local music was promoted. Insider Tip: Visit current places that honor this tradition, such as "La Casa del Salsa", where history and music intertwine in a vibrant atmosphere.

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Current State

Today, Cali continues to vibrate with its rich musical and nightlife heritage, but it has evolved into a space where salsa coexists with other genres and cultural proposals. The 'Sucursal del Cielo' has become a meeting point not only for salsa lovers but also for those looking to explore a variety of artistic expressions.