Page 40 - Effable Encounters

The African Dog
(Fantastic Transactions 2, 1997)

Unevaporated perspiration drove most of the beverage sales in
Club Jengimbre, a shabby side-street nightclub limping along with the
fixtures and amenities of a bygone era. Ari Mosca mopped his brow
with a polka dot silk handkerchief and ordered another barely-chilled
cerveza for himself and his guest. The band stand was empty, the
only music the whine and thump of ceiling fans on the brink of short
circuit.
“Whew. When does the first set start, Professor? I mean, really: the
poster outside says nine o’clock, right?”
I. K. Mombeau, formerly of the Instituto Musicologico Nacional,
shrugged. Given his girth, he could not have been much less
uncomfortable than the American across the table; but this was an
artificial microclimate to which he had grown accustomed. His linen
suit was drab and crumpled, in sharp contrast to his smooth beaming
face.
“One cannot expect North American punctuality in Cuba, Señor
Mosca. The manager has assured me Xavier Cugaracha will appear
tonight, and so will his vocalist, Chauna Chavaria. I suggested
meeting here at this hour so we could get acquainted; the place will
be packed by the time the music begins, and then we won’t be able to
talk. You did not tell me much over the telephone, Señor; but I am
willing to listen to your proposition, providing it does not encompass
any illegal activity. First, how is it you know me?”
“Believe it or not, Professor, a computer found you. I am, as my
card indicates, an independent record producer. Unlike most of my
peers, however, I come from an academic background. My
baccalaureate is in musicology, but I had too many contacts in the
music business through my friends and family to pursue any sort of
career in teaching or research. Nor was I much of a performance
artist, despite youthful efforts. My experience packaging and
presenting world music to the American public has taught me a few
lessons, probably the same ones everyone who attempts to succeed in
promoting popular culture has to learn: primarily, if you don’t stay

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