Steeped in Afro-Cuban culture from an early age and with a formal musical education in her native country, Caridad Cruz made a career as a principal singer in Cuba’s tourist hotels and night clubs for more than a decade, until marriage brought her to Canada in late 2003. Her Canadian musical debut the following spring was broadcast nationally by the CBC and her “warm ocean of a voice” was applauded in the Globe and Mail. Since then she has excited and mesmerized audiences with her own special mix of salsa, Latin jazz, and traditional Cuban songs, in Toronto, Montreal, New York and all around Ottawa. “Havana native Caridad Cruz packs a powerful punch,” pronounced The Ottawa Citizen.“To really appreciate Caridad Cruz's music, you have to see her perform live.”

With this Fourth Stage performance, Caridad will be celebrating her 20th anniversary as a professional singer.

Caridad will be bringing her new septet straight from its own debut at the Ottawa Jazz Festival. Prominently featured will be Havana-born musical director Miguel de Armas, a brilliant and imaginative musician of considerable stature in Cuba. A founding member of the acclaimed group NG La Banda, Miguel has recorded over 50 albums and collaborated with renowned Cuban artists such as Chucho Valdés, Los Van Van, Pablo Milanés and Compay Segundo. 

Caridad Cruz with:
Miguel de Armas – piano
César Ricardo – vocals and guitar
Rick Rangno – trumpet
Marc Decho – bass
Reynier Garcia – congas
Arien Villegas – latin percussion