Charanga is an ensemble that came out of Cuba, featuring the unique sound of the French flute and violins, guiro, congas, timbales, piano, bass, and vocals. Danzón evolved from European country dances, becoming Cuba's own original dance music. It is played by orquesta tipicas, which developed from military marching bands.

The dances and orquestas were gradually Africanised, becoming the habanera. The Cuban band leader, Miguel Failde is credited to have established the habanera form in the 1880s.

Danzón orquestas also created an offshoot called charanga, which replaced brass instruments with violins, flute, double bass and piano. The charanga ensembles thrived for decades, especially in the mid-1900s. Great charangas included Orquesta Aragón, Orquesta Riverside and Orquesta America.

The chachachá, created by Orquesta America, swept across Europe and America in the 1950s. The 1-2-3 footwork was popularised by big bands including Perez Prado, Tito Puente and Tito Rodríguez. Younger generation charangas include Candido Fabré y sus Banda and Charanga Habanera.

"Charangueo" is the only band in the Midwest that plays this traditional music from the famous ‘40s and ‘50s style that came from Cuba, and the ‘60s and ‘70s that is considered "New York" style. This ensemble plays a wide range of Afro-Cuban jazz styles from Cha-Cha-Cha, Guaguanco, and Danzon, to Guajira, Guaracha, Mambo and Son. "Charangueo" was formed through the vision of René Avila the bass player of the group.

http://www.facebook.com/Charangueo/