The Freight in Berkeley, CA, is a haven for music lovers and storytellers, hosting a variety of events that celebrate diverse genres and artistic expressions. From Bobby McFerrin's Circlesongs to The Moth StorySLAM, and the enchanting Berkeley Bluegrass Festival, these events bring together renowned artists and emerging talent for unforgettable performances. Join the community as they gather to share stories, explore new sounds, and revel in the joy of creativity and connection.

A Harmonious Tapestry: Celebrating Music and Stories at The Freight

Eliades Ochoa

The Freight

Eliades Ochoa was born in Santiago de Cuba on June 22, 1946, in Songo la Maya, Santiago de Cuba. He is one of the most renowned Cuban “soneros” of all time, a notable defender of traditional Cuban music, and one of the greatest guitarists of his generation. His distinctive cowboy hat and his penchant for wearing black have led some to call him “The Cuban Johnny Cash.”

Eliades began playing the guitar as a youth, teaching himself with the aid of his parents. He alternated with itinerant troubadours from a very young age. In his walks through “guateques,” bars, and “zonas de tolerancia,” he began to learn the vast traditional repertoire of Cuban music, of which he is a teacher today. His musical style is due to his place of origin, the Cuban countryside, the anecdotes he listened to, and the “guateques campesinos.”

Eliades Ochoa

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