At the heart of his ability to charm anything that breathes is Alex Cuba’s mastery of a deeper, more important language. The dude speaks joy. And it doesn’t matter if it’s Tito Puente joy or Stevie Wonder joy; it’s contagious. It shines through songs he’s co-written with Nelly Furtado and Jason Mraz. It’s the north star of his compositions.

Wherever his songs start their journey—in the land of longing, deep affection, or even melancholy—they know where they’re headed. Their path leads to a deep, shimmering gladness that everyone wishes was their native tongue. It’s this undeniable exuberance, expressed with masterful musicianship that has catapulted Alex to the highest levels of global critical acclaim. It’s what led this fiercely independent artist to 2 Juno awards, 4 Latin Grammys, and a 2022 Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album.

Just like his songs elicit “la-la-las” from audiences without a translator, they woo critics without a middleman. The magic he makes with melody and rhythm can’t be held back. Because in the end, whether in times of trouble or celebration, people everywhere want to go where Alex’s songs are going: to an unconditional sense of home, belonging, and bliss.

Spend a Friday evening with Alex Cuba in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre’s Shaw Auditorium overlooking Nanaimo’s downtown waterfront. Doors will open an hour before showtime with lobby entertainment and bar services offered prior to the show and during intermission. Downtown street level parking and the Bastion Street Parkade are free. Underground parking (elevator to the Auditorium entrance) in the conference centre is plentiful ($.75 first two hours). More than two dozen downtown restaurants and night spots welcome your patronage before and after the show!