AFRO-CUBAN MEETS JAZZ embraces the marriage of Cuban music to contemporary jazz, highlighting the extraordinarily percussive nature of the union.

The project brings together Cuban-born, Ottawa pianist Miguel de Armas and the Toronto-based, women-led ensemble OKAN. Collaborating for the first time, the evening will showcase Canadian compositions by Miguel de Armas, as well as repertoire composed by percussionist Magdelys Savigne and violinist/vocalist Elizabeth Rodriguez.

Pianist and composer Miguel de Armas is fully committed to reviving the jazz-fusion era, but this time chock full of Afro-Cuban-isms in a pastiche of textures, breaks and groovy chord progressions. His craft continues to evolve and draw inspiration from both his Afro-Cuban heritage and the world around us. Miguel de Armas will continue shaping and reshaping the themes, forms and rhythms which have provided him with inspiration for his life’s work. In whichever idiom he works, his future musical creations will be melodious, rhythmic, exciting and bear in their intriguing intricacies, the artist’s inherent intention of transforming the daily routines of our lives into something more beautiful and significant.

Blending jazz, Afro-Cuban and classical forms with world rhythms, OKAN takes its name from the word for heart in the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. Embracing genres and roles that have historically been dominated by men, co-leaders, composers and multi-instrumentalists Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne bring a fresh perspective to Latin and world jazz fusion through their powerful vocals, incredible musicianship and potent lyrical content.

Co-presented with Lula Music and Arts Centre.