For the second consecutive year, the Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA), in collaboration with Yambu Productions, will present a summer music series in its sculpture garden, showcasing Afro-Cuban music. The series will offer live performances featuring contemporary artists, each celebrated and recognized for their contributions to the preservation of the traditional sounds of Afro-Cuban music.
July 18
Remembering The Palladium Days, Chapter 3: Mambo is Back and It is Here to Stay
The concert series kicks off with the six-time Grammy Award-winning Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez and Mambo Revue, a Big Band orchestra from Los Angeles led by Freddie Crespo.
Aug. 29
Cubana Be, Cubana Bop, The Return of Bebop: The Music of Dizzy Gillespie and Chano Pozo
According to MoLAA, if ever there was a time in jazz and Latin music worthy of mention in every history book, it would be the moment in 1947 when composer and bandleader Dizzy Gillespie invited Cuban percussionist Chano Pozo to be part of his band. Pozo, a singer, dancer and composer, in addition to percussionist, played a major role in the founding of Latin jazz. He also played an influential role in Dizzy Gillespie’s trumpet arrangements, co-writing some of Gillespie’s Latin-flavored compositions including “Manteca” and “Tin Tin Deo.” Gillespie then became a major figure in the development of the bebop and modern jazz era, and is considered, to this day, as a virtuoso. For this concert, the Cal State University Los Angeles Afro Latin Ensemble, under the music direction of Dr. Paul De Castro, will evoke the nostalgia of that era with guest artists such as Colombian reed player Justo Almario trumpet player Harry Kim, Cuban percussionist Calixto Oviedo and two-time Grammy Award-winning percussionist Joey De Leon.
Sept. 26
The Roaring Seventies: Salsa, Music from the Streets of New York
For more than 25 years, Conjunto Costazul has been playing its hard-driving, New York-style salsa music for dancers on the West Coast. This year Conjunto Costazul is joining forces with Grammy Award-winning vocalist Herman Olivera, who is returning to Southern California after his performance during MoLAA’s 2014 season. Olivera began singing professionally with local New York bands at the age of 15. He was then given the opportunity to sing lead vocals with Conjunto Libre, under the direction of Manny Oquendo and Andy Gonzalez. After two decades with Conjunto Libre, Olivera worked regularly with Johnny Pacheco, Ray Barretto and The Machito Orchestra, to name a few. He currently performs with Eddie Palmieri’s orchestra and is featured on five of Palmieri’s CDs, including Masterpiece/Obra Maestra with the late Tito Puente, a collaboration that earned two Grammys.
Ticket prices are $50 for VIP preferred seating; $40 for seated general admission; and $30 for standing room only. MoLAA members receive a 10 percent discount. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
To purchase tickets or for more information, call (562) 437-1689 or visit molaa.org .
Source: MoLAA
