Fort Lauderdale, FL (Top40 Charts/ South Florida JAZZ Official Website) South Florida JAZZ, the principal purveyors of modern jazz in the region since its founding in 1991, celebrates its 21st anniversary Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. with the four-time Grammy-awarded Cuban-born pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba. The internationally renowned and dazzling virtuoso will perform with his touring trio featuring bassist Matt Brewer and drummer Marcus Gilmore. The venue is the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center, 3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr. Blvd on the Nova Southeastern University campus in Davie.
The focus of the South Florida JAZZ remains steadfastly on presenting artists of national and international repute under the aegis of Artistic Director Ron Weber and gently guided by the world-acclaimed vibraphonist/educator Gary Burton, Artistic Advisor, who believe this season's lineup is among the strongest in the organization's storied history.
VIP ticket holders will be treated to a special celebratory Cuban theme reception commencing at 6:00 p.m. in the DeSantis Building's Courtyard Atrium, across the plaza from the Miniaci Performing Arts Center. Along with great food, the New World School of the Arts Jazz Ensemble will treat guests to live Latin jazz. There will also be a raffle with elegant items from local establishments.
VIP tickets are $150 or $99 (without South Florida JAZZ membership) and $50 general admission, and can be purchased from the Broward Center box office at 954-462-0222; toll-free at 877-311-SHOW; and online at SouthFloridaJazz.org or BrowardCenter.org.
Gonzalo Rubalcaba
"Gonzalo Rubalcaba, a pianist of almost supernatural abilities …" Ben Ratliff, New York Times
Gonzalo Julio Gonzalez Fonseca was born in post-revolutionary Havana, Cuba, May 27, 1963, into a musical family rich in the traditions of the country's artistic past. During his childhood, Gonzalo played piano and drums, while absorbing his Cuban musical heritage primarily from his father, pianist Guillermo Rubalcaba, his two brothers, and leading local musicians who frequented the household. Through scarce and treasured jazz recordings, he also assimilated the music of Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Art Blakey. He began his classical training at age nine, focusing on the piano, ultimately earning a degree in music composition from Havana's Institute of Fine Arts. By that time he had become entrenched in the Havana club scene as a jazz player.
The conservatory-trained master pianist has integrated huge swaths of the European classical and jazz traditions, while maintaining deep ties to the rhythmic currents of his Cuban homeland. Initially coming to international prominence under the aegis of American bassist Charlie Haden with whom he recorded extensively, Gonzalo Rubalcaba has now earned 15 Grammy nominations, winning two Grammys and two Latin Grammys. At first, Mr. Rubalcaba distinguished himself primarily with his virtuoso technique and rhythmic prowess. With maturity, he has become a more introspective composer and improviser, while continuing to dazzle audiences as he explores the rich history of Cuban music. His most recent recordings, Fé and XXI Century, were released on Mr Rubalcaba's personal label, 5Passion.
ARTISTIC PERSONNEL
Gonzalo Rubalcaba - piano
Matt Brewer - double bass
Marcus Gilmore - drums
Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County Board of Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Division, the Bernie Bercuson Trust, the Charles and Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation, and JAZZIZ Magazine.
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