02 Feb Alfredo Rodríguez in Concert!

FUNDarte and Miami Light Project present 15^th edition of Global Cuba Fest, featuring Alfredo Rodríguez with Special Guest Artists in Concert, on March 5th at 8:00 p.m. at North Beach Bandshell, and a double-bill concert featuring Jorge Luis Pacheco and Carlos Averhoff Jr. with Special Guest Artists on March 12th at 8:00 p.m. at Miami Dade County Auditorium.

MARCH 5^th – Opening Night at North Beach Bandshell, Miami Beach

The Opening Night of the 15^th edition of Global Cuba Fest starts with the genius of Alfredo Rodríguez on piano, with world-renown superstars, Richard Bona, Tony Succar, and Pedrito Martínez, in concert, on Saturday, March 5th at 8:00 p.m. at North Beach Bandshell, Miami Beach. (7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141).

The lineup also includes guest artists Munir Hossn (Bass and Guitar), Michael Olivera (Drums), Gilmar Gomes (Percussionist), Jorge Glem (Cuatro Player). Join us for what promises to be an electric night of Cuban Music!

Every year, FUNDarte and Miami Light Project, team up to present Global Cuba Fest, a celebration of the culture and rhythms of Cuba, with concerts by an exciting array of artists from Cuba and the Cuban Diaspora.

Visiting artists are subject to change due to unanticipated travel restrictions related to COVID-19 pandemic.

Cuban pianist and composer Alfredo Rodríguez is a globally recognized Grammy-nominee with multiple critically acclaimed releases since being discovered and produced by the great Quincy Jones. Rodríguez is leading the way for a new wave of prodigious Cuban musicians, bringing Cuba’s rich musical history to a wider audience.

This event will follow all public health and hygiene guidelines, including safely distanced limited seating. More information: NorthBeachBandshell.com

What: Alfredo Rodríguez with Special Guests Richard Bona, Tony Succar and Pedrito Martínez in concert

When: Saturday, March 5 at 8:00 p.m. Doors Open at 6:30 p.m.

Where: North Beach Bandshell, (7275 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL33141)

Tickets: $35 in advance; $40 General Admission at The Door; $65 VIP; $5 OFF for Seniors, Students and Miami Beach Residents; more info at www.northbeachbandshell.com

+Info: www.FUNDarte.us | www.miamilightproject.com | www.northbeachbandshell.com

About the Artists

Alfredo Rodríguez. Born in Havana, Cuba, Alfredo trained at the famous Manuel Saumell Classical Music Conservatory, then at the Amadeo Roldán Music Conservatory, and subsequently at the Instituto Superior de Arte. His lucky break came in 2006 when he was selected as one of twelve pianists from around the world to play at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival. In Montreux, Alfredo struck a chord in legendary music producer Quincy Jones who noticed Alfredo’s immense talent and decided to begin working with Alfredo. In January of 2009, Alfredo made the difficult decision to leave his family and country behind and embark on a journey to pursue a career in music in the United States. His touring history includes the Playboy Jazz Festival, SXSWMusic Festival, Detroit Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, San Francisco Jazz Festival, Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, Jazz Roots Performing Arts Center Concert Series, XVI International Open Air Festival (Poland), Jazz a Vienne Festival (France), North Sea Jazz Festival (Netherlands), Umbria Jazz Festival (Italy), Montreux Jazz festival (Switzerland), Mawazine Festival(Morocco), Mundo Latino Festival (Brazil), Shanghai International Film Festival (China), Shanghai Tourist Festival (China), and literally dozens of others. Rodríguez was nominated for a 2015 GRAMMY Award in the category of Best Arrangement (Instrumental or A Cappella) for the track “Guantanamera,” from his album The Invasion Parade. The pianist has released five rock-solid albums so far. His debut Sounds of Space provided insight into the people, places, and sounds that surrounded and shaped him in his youth. He explores the roots of his motherland on the album The Invasion Parade, co-produced by Quincy Jones, on which Alfredo shows how versatile Cuban music culture is. Then came the beautiful album Tocoroco, which was streamed millions of times on Spotify. Succeeded in 2019 by Duologue, together with Pedrito Martinez. After years of work, Rodríguez has become an international sensation; his riveting artistry is informed as much by Bach and Stravinsky as it is by his Afro Cuban and jazz roots. Over the past decade, Alfredo grew from a young local Cuban artist to a globally recognized GRAMMY-nominee. More information about this artist at: http://www.alfredomusic.com

Richard Bona was born and raised in the West African nation of Cameroon, going on to session dates with Joe Zawinul, Regina Carter, and Bob James as well as a two-year stint as musical director for the great Harry Belafonte. He made his debut as a headliner in 1999 with Scenes from My Life, and two years later Reverence came out. In 2003, Bona made his Verve debut with Munia: The Tale, which explored the territories of rock and jazz while keeping his West African influences, and 2005’s Toto Bona Lokua was a joint effort with Lokua Kanza(from the Congo) and Gerald Toto (from Martinique). In 2006, Tiki, featuring guest artists like John Legend and Djavan, was released. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi. More information about this artist at: https://www.allmusic.com/artist/richard-bona-mn0000851879/biography 

Tony Succar was born in Lima, Peru and raised in Miami, Florida, Succar is grateful to have come from a family of musicians. It was that early encounter with music of such influence that it would mark the foundation and preparation of him for what was to come. His musical diversity is well known in the industry, having worked with an impressive array of talented artists, including Tito Nieves, India, Jon Secada, Marc Anthony, Sheila E., Arturo Sandoval, Judith Hill, and Obie Bermudez, among others. A two-time Latin Grammys winner, he is an artist-producer, composer, and arranger whose talents stem from a passion for music given from an early age. More information about this artist at: https://tonysuccar.com/en/

Pedrito Martínez was born in Havana, Cuba, Cuba, Sept 12, 1973 where he began his musical career at the age of 11 with a deep foundation in the rumba and Afro Cuban Yoruba traditions. Since settling in New York City in the fall of 1998, Pedrito has recorded or performed with Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Paquito D’Rivera, Chucho Valdez, Bruce Springsteen, Ruben Blades, Eddie Palmieri, Dave Matthews, Elton John, James Taylor and Sting, and has contributed to well over 100 albums. Pedrito was a founding member of the Afro-Cuban/Afro-Beat band, Yerba Buena, with which he recorded two albums and toured the world in the mid-to late-90’s. His career as a leader began in 2008 with the formation in NYC of The Pedrito Martínez Group. The group’s first album was nominated in 2013, for a Grammy, and was among NPR’s Favorite Albums of the Year. Habana Dreams, their second album, released in 2016, included, Ruben Blades, Isaac Delgado, Wynton Marsalis, Angelique Kidjo. In February of 2019, Pedrito and Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodríguez, released Duologue with Quincy Jones as Executive Producer. Eric Clapton and Pedrito teamed up in July 2019 to record a newly arranged version of Clapton’s song, My Father’s Eyes, for a Martínez album set for release in early 2021. On September 22, of that year Pedrito and Clapton performed the song together at Clapton’s, Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas, Texas. More information about this artist at: https://www.pedritomartinezmusic.com

Munir Hossn was born in November 24,1981 in Brazil, his mix between Africans, Italians, Middle East, and Brazilians indigenous people make him one of the most original and authentic artists of his country and the world. Producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist. Just by listening Munir Hossn’s compositions or arrangements we can imagine how wide and great his journey was through different countries and cultures. Mr Hossn has also collaborated, produced, and shared projects with artists like Joe Zawinul Syndicate, Didier Lockwood, Paco Sery, Quincy Jones and The Global Gumbo All Stars feat. Alfredo Rodriguez, Hermeto Pascoal, Roberto Mendes, Jorge Pardo, and many more. More information about this artist at: https://www.munirhossn.com

Michael Olivera was born in Santa Clara (Cuba), he has developed a long and intense professional career. Olivera has played with renowned artists and producers such as Quincy Jones, Alfredo Rodriguez “Tocororo” (co-arranger), Paquito de Rivera, Chano Dominguez, Rick Wakeman, Javier Colina, Sting, Tomatito, Munir Hossn, Yonathan Avishai, Síntesis, among others. Closely linked to the jazz scene, is one of the most important drummers on the current music scene, with more than 50 records recorded and hundreds of projects with the who has participated in such important festivals as Jazz a Vienne, Marciac, North Sea Jazz, Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Fest, Blue Note NY, Blue Note Tokio, Jakarta Jazz Festival, Warsaw Jazz Festival, Madrid Jazz Festival, Barcelona Jazz Festival among others. More information about this artist at: https://www.michael-olivera.com/

Founded in 1989, Miami Light Project is a not-for-profit cultural organization which presents live performances by innovative dance, music and theater artists from around the world; supports the development of new work by South Florida-based artists; offers educational programs for students of every age; and cultivates the development of new audiences reflecting the diverse cultural and economic make-up of South Florida. Miami Light Project is a cultural forum to explore some of the issues that define contemporary society. Learn more about Miami Light Project at: http://www.miamilightproject.com

Contact for Miami Light Project: Terrence Brunn | terrence@miamilightproject.com | 407.619.0460

FUNDarte is a multidisciplinary non-profit organization dedicated to producing, presenting, and promoting music, theater, dance, film, and visual arts that speak to Miami’s diverse cultures with an emphasis on Hispanic/Latino arts and culture. FUNDarte particularly works to nurture emerging artists and those with little or no exposure to South Florida audiences; facilitate intercultural and international exchanges; and provide local audiences and artists with educational opportunities that expand their creative, critical, and social perspectives. Visit us at www.fundarte.us for more information about our exciting and diverse live programming. Contact for FUNDarte: Tony Martinez| tony@fundarte.us | 305.761.6024

The Knight Foundation’s knight Art Challenge 2019 award supports this event.

FUNDarte and Miami Light Project Funders include: John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; Doris Duke Charitable Foundation; the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; the City of Miami Beach Department of Tourism and Cultural Development, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council and the Miami Beach Mayor and City Commissioners; the National Endowment for the Arts; CreARTE; The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation; Funding Arts Network (FAN); the National Performance Network (NPN); and South Arts, with funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and The Rhythm Foundation.

Don’t Miss

MARCH 12 – Closing Night at Miami-Dade County Auditorium