On Saturday, April 20, 2019, The Eastman Presents Series and The Barbara B. Smith World Music Series welcomes Grammy-nominated ensemble Afro-Cuban All Stars at 7:30 p.m. in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.
The Afro-Cuban All Stars is a 13-piece dream team of Cuba’s hottest musicians, brought together by musical director Juan de Marcos Gonzalez – the musical arranger for the original Buena Vista Social Club recording. Paying tribute to Cuban music, this multi-generational lineup features members from Cuba’s leading bands, including Orquesta Tropicana, Los Van Van, Sierra Maestra, and more.
After several years of tremendous and unexpected success – including four Grammy nominations, being the subject of several documentaries and films, and being recipients of many other distinctions – the All Stars are certainly the best-known and successful Cuban orchestra after Los Van Van and Irakere.
The Afro-Cuban All Stars has also opened the doors to a new generation by incorporating young musicians into the band. With The Afro-Cuban All Stars, de Marcos has developed a concept: to stand up on the roots for creating the future.
The concert is generously funded, and part of, the Barbara B. Smith World Music Series.
Tickets for Afro-Cuban All Stars start at $41 with $10 student tickets available. Tickets can be purchased at the Eastman Theatre Box Office, 433 East Main St.; by phone (585) 274-3000; or online at http://eastmantheatre.org
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About Eastman School of Music:
The Eastman School of Music was founded in 1921 by industrialist and philanthropist George Eastman (1854-1932), founder of Eastman Kodak Company. It was the first professional school of the University of Rochester. Mr. Eastman’s dream was that his school would provide a broad education in the liberal arts as well as superb musical training. The current dean is Jamal Rossi, appointed in 2014.
About 900 students are enrolled in Eastman’s Collegiate Division—about 550 undergraduate and 350 graduate students. Students come from almost every state, and approximately 20 percent are from other countries. They are guided by more than 95 full-time faculty members. Six alumni and three faculty members have been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music, and numerous alumni and faculty have received Grammy Awards. Each year, Eastman’s students, faculty members, and guest artists present more than 900 concerts to the Rochester community.