Havana Nights Gala Concert and Fundraiser
On Wednesday, April 29th, in association with UNESCO’s International Jazz Day, Jazz Arts Project presents its 20th Anniversary Gala, a festive evening inspired by the culture and panache of Havana in its heyday and the vibrant rhythms of Afro-Cuban Jazz.
The evening also includes the presentation of the annual Jazz Arts Hero Awards, honoring individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced jazz and supported or coincided with Jazz Arts Project’s mission.
This year’s recipients are Triumph Brewery owner Adam Rechnitz and celebrated Latin-Jazz artist Arturo O’Farrill, who will be the evenings headline performance. The gala’s theme transports guests to the vibrant streets of Havana of the 1940’s & 50’s, where Afro-Cuban rhythms, tropical elegance, and the spirit of celebration come alive in an unforgettable evening of music, culture, and community.
Guests will enjoy performances by six-time GRAMMY winner two-time Latin GRAMMY winner Arturo O’Farrill and his Afro-Latin Ensemble. Named as "one of our greatest living pianists” by Downbeat Magazine, O’Farrill is a prolific pianist and composer, as well as a dedicated social justice advocate.
Other performers will include La Manga, an all-female Latin percussion ensemble based in Afro-Caribbean Colombian tradition.
The Jazz Arts Academy Allstars will also be performing, composed of talented students from Jazz Arts’ transformative music education programs. Guests can certainly expect Cuban-inspired cuisine, festive décor, live music, and additional surprises throughout the evening.
Also, beginning at 5:00 PM, there will be a free car show open to the public, in association with the Antique Motoring Club of Monmouth County (AMCOMC), just outside Triumph Brewery on Edmund Wilson Plaza. Keep an eye out for that ‘57 Chevy Bel Air.
Classic Cars, Cuban Flair and Cuisine, and more surprises! Perfect for raising a glass to over 20 years of jazz excellence and helping to support transformative music education programs for area youth.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3557722-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3557722-2
