25

friday

Some gringos may initially embrace salsa music as a result of their boredom with Anglo popular music, but Venezuelan singer Oscar D’Leon means to keep their attention. For more than 30 years, the “Lion of Salsa” has delivered propulsive tunes with hip-moving rhythms and luscious melodies. Backed by multiple trombones, trumpets, and percussive instruments, D’Leon chants and improvises breathlessly on his upbeat numbers and croons gently on the more lilting ballads. Now 63 years old, he continues to sound best as the tempo increases—the timbales and drums generate an exhilarating polyrhythmic beat, while the brass chimes in and out like car horns in Manhattan. The frequently touring showman and his ensemble will show the power of the clave beat at 11 p.m. at H2O, 800 Water St. SW. $20. (202) 484-6300. (Steve Kiviat)