'A Tribute to Tito Puente' at JazzMN Orchestra
Contact:
Connie Shaver
612-308-5785
JazzMN Orchestra Presents A Tribute to Tito Puente
Lucia Newell will be the special guest vocalist
Minneapolis, Oct. 31, 2013 The JazzMN Orchestra presents a special tribute to Latin jazz legend Tito Puente on Saturday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Auditorium at Hopkins High School. Tito Puente was a pioneering force in jazz, creating a new fusion of a big-band spin on Latin and salsa music.
The JazzMN Orchestra and Twin Cities percussionist Rey Rivera will honor Tito, performing his original transcripts, along with many works inspired by this jazz legend.
Puente earned five Grammy Awards, made more than 100 albums and created more than 200 compositions, leading to him being revered as the King of Latin Jazz.
In 1948, Puente formed a band that would later become known as the Tito Puente Orchestra. By the 1950s, the band was attracting large crowds and in 1958, Puente released his best-selling album, Dance Mania, and more hit records soon followed, with notable songs including "Babarabatiri," "Ran Kan Kan" and "Oye Como Va." Puente's never-ending creativity and experimentation - such as melding traditional Latin dances into jazz orchestration - kept his music fresh and popular over the course of a five-decade career.
Outstanding Twin Cities jazz vocalist Lucia Newell will be the special guest artist. Ms. Newell has sung in jazz clubs, concert halls and festivals around the world and at home in the Twin Cities. She spent years singing background vocals on major label recordings, and can be heard on local and national TV and radio jingles, and on a variety of childrens and teaching recordings. Lucia has received special recognition from the Minnesota Jazz Awards and released the critically acclaimed CD Enter You, Enter Love with guitarist Joan Griffith, now in its third issue, and is featured on Laura Cavianis jazzy Christmas CD, Angels We Havent Heard, the 2006 release with Soul Café, The Poetry of Jazz, Pablo Neruda meets Rodgers & Hart and most recently on the 2010 release with Alma Brasileira, Circle of the Dance.
Upcoming JazzMN Orchestra Concerts
JazzMN Orchestra Featuring New York Voices, jazz vocal
Sunday, March 16, 2014, 3 p.m.
This will be a special Sunday afternoon concert to enjoy the appearance of New York Voices, a Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble celebrating its 25th anniversary of excellence in jazz group singing. They are known for their close-knit voicings, inspired arrangements and unparalleled vocal blend. Though rooted in jazz, their music is often infused with Brazilian, R & B, classical and pop influences.
JazzMN Orchestra Featuring Miguel Zenon, saxophone
Saturday, April 26, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Back to Saturday night for our season finale and joined by multiple Grammy nominee and Guggenheim and MacArthur fellow Miguel Zenón, perhaps the most celebrated alto saxophonist of his generation. The Puerto Rican native represents a unique jazz voice, fusing jazz, Latin and classical influences in his music. He has released six recordings as a leader, including the Grammy-nominated Alma Adentro.
JazzMN concerts are held at the Auditorium at Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Dr. Minnetonka. Tickets purchased in advance to A Tribute to Tito Puente on November 9, and Saxophonist Miguel Zenon on April 26 are $28 for balcony seats, $30 for main floor seats, and $18 for students. Same-day tickets at the door are $30 for the balcony and $34 for the main floor, with student rush tickets available for $10. Tickets to New York Voices on March 16 are $32 for balcony seats, $34 for main floor seats, and $20 for students, with same-day tickets available for $34 for the balcony, $38 for the main floor, $10 for student rush. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a 20% discount on tickets to any of the performances. For tickets please visit JazzMN.org/tickets or call 800-838-3006.
JazzMN thanks partners KBEM Jazz88 and Twin Cities Jazz Society for their support.
The JazzMN Orchestra, the Twin Cities' premier professional jazz ensemble, performs a broad range of jazz repertoire spanning classic and contemporary styles, showcasing outstanding musicians from throughout the region, and featuring world-class guest artists. Formed as a nonprofit arts organization in 1998, JazzMN, Inc. supports its mission to promote excellence in the jazz art form through performance, preservation and educational outreach.
Photos and additional information: JazzMN.org or connieshaver@charter.net.
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