La Rumba return with globally-oriented autumn season

Dance series La Rumba is throwing its first parties since the end of lockdown with a diverse lineup of artists this autumn across a range of venues in Sheffield and Leeds.

Highlights include house music specialists Shanti Celeste and Tama Sumo, rave veteran Artwork, cult favourite Midland and Running Back boss Gerd Janson.

The series of parties, which will be held in spaces new to La Rumba in both cities, will also feature live performances from Nubiyan Twist and Sheffield's own K.O.G.

"Foundry, Hope Works and The Leadmill are new venues we’ve never used before prior to the pandemic, so we’re really excited to step things up at the best clubs in the Steel City where it all started for us," La Rumba founder Román Rocha told Now Then.

"We’ve also got some incredible talent joining us on support duties from local crews Apricot Ballroom, Fortythree, Groundwork and More Pussy 3mpire, alongside La Rumba’s residents which we really can’t wait for."

The Sheffield season starts on 22 September with a Freshers' Week party at The Leadmill, featuring Gerd Janson and Manchester-based NTS DJ and African music specialist SNO.

It's followed by La Rumba's debut at Foundry on 1 October, with a full live performance by 10-piece afro-jazz outfit Nubiyan Twist and guest appearances from Cherise and K.O.G. with DJ support from Mafalda.

On 13 November Dam Swindle (formerly Detroit Swindle) headline an all-night party at the Hope Works warehouse, alongside Berlin's Tama Sumo and Bristol's Shanti Celeste.

The three Leeds lineups feature Midland, Artwork, Bellaire and Jay Duncan at Wire and The Hifi Club.

"Some of these shows have been booked since before the pandemic started, so we’ve had to reschedule more than a few times, tweak them slightly and build upon them," said Rocha.

"To see this run of shows come together for the return season feels really special."