Terraza 7 Café showcases Queens’ musical diversity

Part of the great diversity in Queens is reflected in the borough’s music scene. Just one look at the borough’s venues like the Creek and the Cave, Terraza 7 Café, and Waltz-Astoria shows a mélange of genres like singer-songwriters, indie-rock, jazz, and even reggaeton, bhangra, and merengue.

Image source: Terazza 7 Cafe

It’s no surprise, then, that the musical stylings of Colombian-born, New York-based composer, pianist, and producer Alejandro Zuleta fall right in with Queens’ musical melting pot. Zuleta has been working as a producer and composer since 2002, with two solo albums, TV scores (for History Channel) and film (Incredibles) under his belt. He spent the last couple years attempting to translate songs played on the Vallenato accordion – the accordion used in the Colombian folk genre of the same name.

This Saturday at the Terraza 7 Café in Jackson Heights (home to a very large population of Colombians in NYC), Alejandro Zuleta Vallenato Collective is presenting the results in a unique sound that showcases authentic Colombian rhythms and spirit. Zuleta and the band also leave plenty of room for dramatic solos and improvisation.

Image source: Alejandro Zuleta myspace

Besides the music, Terraza 7 Café has become a neighborhood institution. With music for almost every day of the week, and a varied drink list featuring pisco – the deceptively strong but flavorful grape brandy from Chile and Peru – there is nothing quite like it in the neighborhood. Their daily happy hour (from 4 pm – 8 pm) and free WI-FI shows their welcoming attitude, which draws regulars from not only Woodside but also from Brooklyn and Manhattan. Try the Cumbia Amazonica, a blend of pisco, kiwi, rosemary, and passion fruit, while settling in at the hanging terrace upstairs for the energetic performances.

Alejo Zuleta Vallenato Collective, Saturday August 18, 2012 at Terraza Cafe (40-19 Gleane St, 83rd St; mere steps from the 82nd Street 7 train stop), 10:30 pm. $5.

Alejandro Zuleta Vallenato Collective [Terraza 7 Café]