Annually, since 2001, La Linea been defining and re-defining contemporary Latin music. In previous years the festival has brought the likes of Gotan Project, Seu Jorge, Pink Martini and Spanish Harlem Orchestra to the UK for the first time. 2008’s debutantes include The Ipanemas from Brazil, the originators of Afro Bossa finally arriving in the UK nearly 50 years after their formation: Argentina’s Melingo and Forro In The Dark from Brazil via New York. Ska Cubano, with their charismatic front line and great musicians drawn from Cuba, Monserrat, Japan, Jamaica and the U.K. never fail to raise the temperature, and this will be their first London appearance of 2008. Bajofondo Tango Club return with a unique evening from the “Tangopolis” of Buenos Aires with special guest Daniel Melingo and band. Paco Peña & Nishat Khan rekindle their Spirit and Passion 10 years after their first collaboration tracing the common roots of Flamenco and Indian music. The great Argentinian composer/pianist/arranger Lalo Schifrin who wrote “Mission Impossible”, “Cool Hand Luke”, “Bullitt” and many other memorable scores for film and TV, makes a rare UK appearance fronting the 89 piece London Symphony Orchestra. The night is a special Jazz meets the Symphony event. Mexico’s premier Rock en Español exponents Café Tacuba make only their second appearance in the U.K. as do L.A.’s Cumbia evangelists Very Be Careful.