August 24 2022 — Charlotte, NC — JazzArts Charlotte announces the return of award-winning Afro-Cuban Jazz star Pedrito Martinez to Charlotte to kick off their Hispanic Heritage Month themed programming, but this is just the beginning.

Afro-Cuban Jazz at The JAZZ ROOM

Martinez and his powerhouse ensemble bring the vibrant sounds of Cuba to the JAZZ ROOM, for a rare opportunity to experience the rich traditions of Cuban music from Havana-born Latin Jazz superstar Pedrito Martinez, who grew up in the midst of dance-worthy grooves of rumba and other treasured Cuban folkloric traditions. This Friday and Saturday, September 2-3, at the Stage Door Theater in uptown Charlotte.

The Pedrito Martinez Jazz Youth Workshop

All middle and high school student musicians are encouraged to join us to learn from this Grammy-nominated bandleader, Saturday September 3rd, 11pm-1pm at the Stage Door Theater.  This session is ideal for all instruments and all levels from beginner to advanced. Students are encouraged to bring their instruments, as this is an applied workshop experience. The workshop is FREE, and is part of JazzArts Charlotte’s goal to create interactions between our national jazz performing artists with the local music community,. With space limited, registration is required. 

Nuestro Tiempo Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble

Also coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month, and the start of the Fall school year, the NEW Nuestro Tiempo Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble season begins. This is a unique program for middle and high school students to study a facet of jazz that combines the traditional components of jazz with the Latin Jazz genre. The workshop is free for all participating students, with scholarships made possible by program sponsors, Blue Cross Blue Shield NC. “With partnerships such as this one, this special program gives life to our commitment of ensuring access to the arts and building bridges through jazz music.” Says Lonnie Davis. Auditions required.

Latin Jazz Discovery throughout Hispanic Heritage Month

Throughout the month, JazzArts Charlotte will be offering website articles and social media tidbits to explore the history and music of Latin Jazz.  In conjunction with this month’s JAZZ ROOM, we begin with an article on Afro-Cuban Jazz.  From there, we will expand to and discover the breadth of this incredible genre of jazz.

“JazzArts Charlotte is excited to present a balance of culturally rich performance and education. It is a key component of our mission to educate as well as entertain, all while bringing the community together,” says Lonnie Davis, President of JazzArts Charlotte. “Leading into Hispanic Heritage Month, we hope to have created a variety of opportunity to expand excitement around this rich music tradition.”