afro-cuban music

Backstage at The Utah Arts Festival 2017: Pedrito Martinez Group to close out festival on exuberant note

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Pedrito Martinez received his musical education in the streets of central Havana. “There were so many teachers that were my idols,” he says in an interview with The Utah Review. The batá rhythms he learned originated in Africa, once performed only for kings. The performer on the largest drum, the instrument referred to as the … Read more

Backstage at Utah Arts Festival 2014: Josiel Perez, AC Jazz Project bring sizzling timba in first Utah performance

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Josiel Perez and The AC Jazz Project, June 28, 9:45 p.m., Park Stage There is a phenomenally talented generation of Cuban musicians, including some who have not yet reached the age of 30, who are demonstrating to the world the truest, most dynamic elements of Cuban music that are far, far away from the nostalgic … Read more