~by Dena Burroughs

A RUMBA FOR THE SOUL - June 29th, 2008

   There are several elements needed for a great Rumba and Salsa party – forty or more musicians willing to take turns on the instruments, in groups of twelve or so, to make music, and a few dancers willing to move to it, a couple of artists, an open mojito bar, an entire roasted pig, all the basics of a full Cuban meal, and a host and hostess that will go through the hassles of entertaining.  When all the parts come together, the result is a fabulous gathering of musicians and music lovers that show up to celebrate the one love they share… the love for the Rumba.

     Donna Factor and her husband Dan have been throwing a party just like it for eight years now, at their home in Venice Beach, CA.  When asked what the reason for the party is, Donna said, “This party is for my soul.” 

     Donna is a classically trained flutist, who once had an Afro-Cuban music epiphany, made the acquaintance of Fay Roberts (of Orquesta Charangoa), and progressively got into the world of Cuban music, enough that today her card reads Donna Factor – Flutist – Musica Cubana. She plays with the group Yeh Dede [http://www.myspace.com/yehdede ]

     Dan is a World Music enthusiast, so their party, this past Sunday, was a true mixture of colors, sounds, instruments, and the largest group of female musicians I have ever seen.  It was a collection of ladies who played the congas, the timbales, the flute, the maracas, the trombone, and men who played every instrument at hand.  Several of L.A.’s popular Salsa and Cuban bands were represented.

     No one can doubt the love for the music in the Factor household.  Not when the name of their beautiful black cat is… Rumba. 

     With Donna and Dan's permission, following are a few pictures of the party [click to enlarge].  They go with my thanks to both for a great time.