Palenke Arts is proud to welcome back master percussionist and singer Jesús Díaz y su QBA in Noche Cubana, an evening of infectious Cuban music featuring the sounds of the Cuban danzón, cha cha chá, son montuno y timba! This concert is presented in partnership with California State University, Monterey Bay’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at CSUMB’s World Theater.
“The Cuban born, Bay Area based percussionist and singer is among the most versatile and accomplished artists on the world music scene, performing with his dance-heavy, dynamic ensemble that is “one of the few groups in the United States playing timba, a new-millennium musical idea from Cuba that fuses post-revolutionary innovations like songo with funk and jazz” (SF Chronicle).
WORLD THEATER, CSUMB, 5260 6th Ave, Seaside, CA 93955, SHOWTIME 8-10 pm
TICKETS: $25.- general public - CSUMB Students FREE
“Dedicated to the rollicking mix of traditional Cuban forms blended with funk, pop, and jazz that has captivated the world, QBA brings an unforgettable night of groove and Cuban soul.” (SFJazz)
Cuban born percussionist and vocalist Jesus Diaz arrived in the United States from La Habana in 1980. He quickly identified the Bay Area music scene as the grounds to establish his new home. His local and worldwide performances in collaboration with world renowned and acclaimed artists are recognized for their contributions to the richness of an ever expanding musical genre.
A multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and vocalist, Díaz has established himself as one of the most in-demand performers and studio musicians worldwide. As an educator, he has participated in several prominent clinics and workshops including Berklee College of Music, SFJAZZ, Stanford Jazz Workshop, Drummers Collective NY, and Jazz Camp West to name a few. In collaboration with his group Talking Drums, which includes fellow percussionists Michael Spiro and David Garibaldi, he has contributed to various Warner Brothers instructional books and videos.
Jesus Díaz has performed, toured or recorded with such artists as, Stevie Wonder, The Dave Mathews Band (DMB), Carlos Santana, Andy Narrell, Dizzy Gillespie, Bobbie Womack, Steve Coleman, Caribbean Jazz Project, Planet Drum, Talking Drums, Pete Escovedo / Sheila E, José Luis Quintana "Changuito", Giovanni Hidalgo, Rebecca Mauleón & Round Trip, Omar Sosa, Columna "B", John Calloway, and Conjunto Céspedes, among many others.
Personnel
Jesús Díaz - Lead Vocals and percussion
Julio De La Cruz - Bass
Murray Low - Piano (two-time Grammy nominee)
Colin Douglas - Drums (Grammy winner)
Omar Ledezma - Congas
Jeff Cressman - Trombone
Mike Olmos - Trumpet
Orlando Torriente - Vocals .
Special guest: KEVIN RICARD
American Idol, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Kevin Ricard’s versatility and musicality are the most important things he brings to each recording or performance. He brings a sense of groove to Rock, Jazz, Pop, and R&B styles, and adds authenticity to Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian styles. Whether it’s the Brazilian groove of Sergio Mendes, the timeless music of Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie, or playing with legends like Steve Winwood, Kenny Loggins, or the late, great Celia Cruz, Kevin shows he can move smoothly between diverse styles and why he’s in constant demand. Kevin's long list of recording credits includes Joe Zawinul, B.B. King, Natalie Cole, Wayne Shorter, Marc Anthony, Kenny Loggins, Juan Gabriel, Queen Latifah, Enrique Iglesias, Jill Scott, Take 6 and numerous others.
Kevin has also performed on a number of movie scores including The Hangover, The Pink Panther 1 & 2, The Great Debaters, Traitor, Speed, The Adams Family Values, A Bugs Life, Woman On Top and many more. Kevin's professional television career includes being a member of the house bands for Dancing with the Stars, America's Got Talent, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and American Idol.
Kevin Ricard