Buena Vista Social Orchestra plays Meijer Gardens

In 1932, the BuenaVista Social Club was formed in Havana, Cuba. At the time, Cuba was segregated; the club was one of many sociedades de negros, or black societies, with roots in 19th century fraternities founded by African slaves. You couldn't make much money playing music in Cuba in the 1930s, but at least you could enjoy yourself. That lasted until the revolution, after which, in a quixotic attempt to eradicate vice, nightclubs were banned. The kids turned to rock and funk, and the stylish, joyful music of the past fell into disfavor. But it wouldn't stay there forever.

In 1996, "Buena Vista Social Club," the album, was relased. It featured veteran Cuban musicians, playing music in the old style. World music, at least from the vantage of the United States, tends to be a niche genre, but word of mouth caused the album to go platinum. A Wim Wenders documentary on its recording, released in 1999, brought the music to even more ears. The musicians played internationally, including in the United States, before disbanding in 2015. Today, several surviving members tour as the Buena Vista Social Orchestra. On Sunday, Sept. 15, they played Meijer Gardens.

Merlin himself couldn't have conjured a better evening for a show. The night was warm, but a cool breeze blew; the moon hung low in the sky. Dancers were everywhere. from fresh-faced toddlers to elderly men and women who seemed to shed years as they moved. The band, sharply attired and in fine form, seemed clearly to love the music they were playing. They weren't alone. This was no exercise in nostalgia; there was no argument about continued relevance that needed to be made, because the music had already made it.

"Besame Mucho" was languid and cool, like the older sister to Sade's "Smooth Operator." An instrumental version of "Over The Rainbow" was lovely enough to bring a tear to your eye, and, at least in one case, did. And if there's a better song out there than "Quizás, Quizás, Quizás," we don't deserve it. The Buena Social Club Orchestra more than did it justice.

Nearly all the stage patter was in Spanish, meaning it was probably lost on a good portion of the audience. It didn't matter. Song after song featured dazzling piano, bright horns, deep grooves anchored by drums, bass, and bongos and fantastic singing. It was celebratory, gorgeous music, the kind that lingers in your head as you dance to your car.

Quizás, Qu