The annual “Tango Nocturna” returns to Canisius

By George Kunz

The Buffalo Tango Orkestra and Friends returned to Canisius College’s Montante Cultural Center for its much anticipated, annual “Tango Nocturna” concert (September 21, 2024). Acclaimed tango dancer Guillermina Quiroga returned with partner Mariano Logiudice and vocalist Carlos Habiague in a band that included pianist Ivan Docenko and Latin Grammy winner Pedro Giraudo on bass.

With a cheshire cat grin, bandoneon master and musical director Moshe Shulman took the stage and Habiague opened with Francisco Canaro’s classic “Invierno.” I struggled through the slick program to find a lyrical translation but quickly decided to simply sit back and surrender to the experience.

Quiroga was superb. She and Logiudice performed during half of the show’s twelve songs, highlighted by Piazzolla’s “Romance del Diablo.” She began with an orange scarf (Quiroga’s only prop) and she and Logiudice transfixed the crowd with their sophisticated choreography. Habiague’s strong but measured voice never succumbed to the powerful passions of the tango by over-singing.

I offer the following constructive criticisms. Tango Nocturna begins by allowing the public onto the stage to dance; some participants might have been better served remaining seated. Some, though beautifully dressed, lacked ability while others were dressed more for tailgating than the tango. Further, Habiague sang a song dealing with suicide, a difficult subject which would have been better served being placed earlier in the performance.

This year’s program went a bit longer than last year, but as the final strains of the closing number “Por Que La Quise Tanto” faded, I found myself wanting more. My wish was granted and the band gave us Carlos Gardel’s “Por Una Cabeza,”made famous by Adrian Brody and Penelope Cruz in Manolete, as an encore. A final, grand bow which included Maestro Shulman’s wife, violinist, and event organizer, Miranda concluded a wonderful late summer evening on Buffalo’s near East Side.

George Kunz is an independent music writer and a contributor The Buffalo Hive.