Novalima at The Moroccan Lounge, Los Angeles.

Novalima kicked off their US tour in Los Angeles on August 3rd, 2023.  The band played in front of an enthusiastic crowd at The Moroccan Lounge on the border between the Arts District and Boyle Heights. 

Jeremy Sole (KCRW, Afro Funke, Le Frique Sonique)

The evening started with a DJ set by Jeremy Sole, who had the band as guests for his global bass dance night Le Frique Sonique. The performance was a well paced blend of new songs and fan favorites showcasing the band's infectious energy.

Novalima are known for their unique mix of Afro-Peruvian and electronic sounds. This base of musical fusion has served up infectious dance grooves which have captivated audiences for the band's now twenty year existence. With hard driving live percussion of cajon, congas, and drums setting the tempo for the audience the dance party gets into high gear from the first song. And the songs are an excellent combination of their catalog and new tracks from their latest EP La Danza.

The audience on a warm Thursday night in downtown Los Angeles responded instantly dancing their way through the set while many sang along to the songs. The band apologized in advance if they sounded a bit unsure when performing the new titular track from the new EP, but there were now discernible jitters. The new songs were well integrated into the set, keeping the energy high and fans looking for the familiar hits, satisfied throughout.

Novalima interacted well with the audience. In a largely bilingual LA crowd, it was a numerous moment when they wanted to do an English version of the intro to the next song and you could hear audience members saying it wasn't necessary. After that one of the band members joked to the lead singer to do the intro in Quechua, an indigenous South American language.

For long time Novalima fans, this tour is a no brainer. If you are new to the band, their deep catalogue of danceable songs and infectious on stage energy will make you a fan. Full tour dates below.

Tour Dates:

August 03 @ The Moroccan Lounge “Le Frique Sonique” – Los Angeles, CA
August 04 @ The High Dive - Seattle WA
August 05 @ Pickathon Festival - Portland, OR
August 06 @ Pickathon Festival - Portland, OR
August 09 @ Freight & Salvage - Berkeley, CA
August 10 @ Lensic Performing Arts Center – Santa Fe, NM
August 11 @ Levitt Pavilion – Denver, CO
August 12 @ Taos Mesa Brewing – Taos, NM
August 16 @ Union Stage – Washington, DC
August 17 @ Museum of Fine Arts – Boston, MA
August 18 @ Unifier Festival – Tolland, MA
August 19 @ DROM - New York City, NY
October 05 @ Joshua Tree Festival - Joshua Tree, CA
October 07 @ The Cedar - Minneapolis, MN
October 09 @ Indigenous Peoples Day Festival – Chicago, IL