Cuban music is undoubtedly some of the most joyful on the planet, and in 1950s Cuba, one of the most exciting manifestations of that joy was heard in the descarga, the term for jam session on the island. Spearheaded by musicians such as Bebo Valdés, Peruchín, Frank Emilio, Guillermo Barreto, Tata Güines, Israel "Cachao" López, and many others, the descarga was Cuba's answer to the cutting session in jazz, allowing musicians to cut loose and fly free. For this matinee led by pianist and SFJAZZ Director of Education Rebeca Mauleón, we are thrilled to welcome several giants of the music along with a cadre of Cuban artists who call the Bay Area home, with a special guest appearance by legendary pianist and Resident Artistic Director Chucho Valdés!
Family Workshop
An interactive Family Workshop follows this performance and is FREE to matinee ticket-holders, led by musician, educator, and Orff music expert Doug Goodkin.