A consummate master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and the bata drum, Pedrito Martinez is one of Cuba’s hottest musical exports. He has performed with dozens of Cuban rumba groups and contributed to several important films, including Calle 54 (2000) and Chico and Rita (2010).

Since settling in New York City in the fall of 1998, he has recorded or performed with Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, and Sting, and contributed to over 100 albums.

Setting the tone for the evening, this performance will open with traditional Yoruba chants and batá drumming associated with Lucumí, as the Yoruba religious practice is known in Cuba.  Following this introduction, the program will feature music from Pedrito’s recent Latin Grammy-nominated album, Acertijos (Riddles), which interweaves rock, jazz, r&b and funk with his compelling Afro-Cuban sound. Pedrito describes Acertijos as “A compilation of emotions and the story of my life living in New York and Cuba.” Pedrito (percussion, lead vocals) will be joined by Issac Delgado Jr. (keyboards, vocals), Xito Lovell (trombone, vocals), Sebastian Natal (electric bass, vocals) and Manuel Marquez (percussion, vocals).

“an incomparable performer” —  New York Times

“The Pedrito Martinez Group is writing a new chapter in Cuban music history” — NPR All Things Considered

Please note: this performance will be in person only and will not be live streamed.

This performance is a co-production between Robert Browning Associates, Lotus Music & Dance, and Roulette.