The University of Miami Frost School of Music and WDNA-FM 88.9 Public Radio Present – In Celebration of Afro-Cuban Music – The University of Miami Concert Jazz Band Dante Luciani, conductor
Special guests: Sammy Figueroa and Mark O’Connor
Sammy Figueroa has long been regarded as one of the world’s great musicians. As one of the world’s leading percussionists he has played on countless records, providing the rhythmical framework for hundreds of hits. He is one of the few percussionists equally comfortable in a multitude of styles, from R & B to rock to pop to bebop to Latin to Brazilian to New Age. He has recorded and toured with Miles Davis, the Brecker Brothers (for 12 years!), Sonny Rollins, Michel Camilo, Chaka Khan, David Bowie, and Mariah Carey.
A product of America’s rich aural folk tradition as well as classical and flamenco music, Mark O’Connor’s creative journey began at the feet of a pair of musical giants. The first was the folk fiddler and innovator who created the modern era of American fiddling in the 1940’s, Benny Thomasson; the second, French jazz violinist, considered one of the greatest improvisers in the history of the violin, Stephane Grappelli. Along the way, between these marvelous musical extremes, he absorbed knowledge and influence from the multitude of musical styles and genres he studied. He has melded and shaped these influences into a new American Classical music.
Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, 8:00 p.m.
UM Gusman Concert Hall
1314 Miller Road, Coral Gables
Gen. Adm. $20.00
To benefit WDNA-FM 88.9 Public Radio and The UM Frost School of Music. For more information, call 305-284-5813.