“A pianist of imperial command, possessed of a dazzling, deceptively casual virtuosity.” —The New York Times
CHUCHO VALDÉS q ua r tet
MARQUEE BIG MIX SERIES Cuban pianist, composer, and arranger Chucho Valdés has become “one of the most influential figures in modern Afro-Cuban jazz” through a six-decade career that began as a member of his father’s Sabor de Cuba orchestra (Billboard). He’s perhaps best known as the founder of Irakere—a landmark ensemble that introduced African drum traditions to Cuban dance music—which he led for more than 30 years. After an enormously
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fruitful period of both leading Irakere and exploring projects as a solo performer and group leader, Valdés chose in 2005 to focus on his work as a pianist and with small ensembles, including the Afro-Cuban Messengers, Jazz Batá, and his acclaimed Quartet. As he prepares to celebrate his 80th birthday in 2021, Valdés continues the prodigious creative output for which he’s earned six Grammy and four Latin Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from
the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, induction into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, and a DC Jazz Festival Lifetime Achievement Award. This performance will last approximately 90 minutes and will be presented without intermission. TU MAR 23 AT 7:30PM COLWELL PLAYHOUSE PICK FIVE+: 37 / SC 32 / STU 15 / UI & YTH 10 SINGLE: 39 / SC 34 / STU 15 / UI & YTH 10