The first edition of the Cuban Music Festival, which runs from October 16 to 19 at Performance Works, promises four nights of hot dance rhythms from the heart of the Caribbean.

The event kicks off Thursday in high style with a double-header featuring former Los Van Van member Pedrito Calvo backed by a 13-piece band, and singer Waldo Mendoza. On Friday, rising diva Tania Pantoja sings. On Saturday, there’s a daytime dance workshop, two screenings of new Cuban movie They Are We, live jazz and jamming, and an evening show with Sixto “El Indio” Llorente and Gardi, and on Sunday, festival band Azúcar Negra hosts its CD release party.