Image of John Santos performing
John
Santos
Percussionist Teacher Composer
Concerts and Events
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Thursday, February 21, 2002
Giovanni Hidalgo and his Quintet
9:30 pm • Luther’s Blues • 1401 University Avenue
All Ages, Cash Bar: 21 & over only
Tickets: $20 General
$12 UW-Madison students with ID
Call (608) 257-1184

An artist some describe as "touched by the hand of God," Puerto Rican conguero Giovanni Hidalgo plays a major role in shaping the way the world thinks of hand drumming. With legendary percussionists Tito Puente, Armando Peraza, Patato and the late José Mangual, Sr. topping the list of his most ardent fans, Hildalgo brings lightning-fast technique and new respect to Latin rhythms.

Image of Giovanni Hidalgo performing
concert two
Friday, March 8, 2002
John Santos/Omar Sosa Trio with Geoff Brennan at the 4th Annual Sin Fronteras Multicultural Extravaganza
featuring special performances by guests to be announced
8 pm • Mills Hall • Mosse Humanities Building • 455 North Park St.
(corner of Park St. and University Ave.) on the UW-Madison campus.
Tickets: $10 general
$8 students (UW-Madison, K-12, and other)
Wisconsin Union Theater Box Office, (608) 262-2201.

The award-winning Cuban composer and pianist Omar Sosa brings the economy of a Thelonious Monk and the melodic richness of a Keith Jarrett to the rhythmic power of Afro-Cuban music. His original and free-flowing style encompasses cha-cha groove, Yoruba chants, hip-hop beats and rhapsodic melodies.

Image of Omar Sosa
concert three
Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Los Muñequitos de Matanzas
9:30 pm • Luther’s Blues • 1401 University Avenue
All Ages, Cash Bar: 21 & over only
Tickets: $20 General
$12 UW-Madison students with ID.
Call (608) 257-1184.
Presented with the support of the Madison-Camagüey Sister City Association.

"Authenticity in music often doesn't mean anything at all, but in the case of the Cuban group Los Muñequitos de Matanzas it means quite a lot. Expect wild machete play, spectacular sensual dancing and some of the most complex drumming to be heard in this hemisphere.”—Peter Watrous, The New York Times.

Image of Mos Munequitos de Matanzas
concert four
Thursday, April 4, 2002
John Benitez Quartet
9:30 pm • Luther’s Blues • 1401 University Avenue
All Ages, Cash Bar: 21 & over only
Tickets: $15 General
$10 UW-Madison students with ID
Call (608) 257-1184.

“Mr. Benitez, with his rock-solid groove, is the best new Latin Jazz bassist in the city, great at using the fewest possible notes to maximum swing potential.”—Ben Ratliff, The New York Times.

Image of John Bentiz with stand up bass
concert five

Saturday, April 13, 2002
John Santos Artist in Residence Solo Recital (School of Music)
8 pm • Morphy Hall • Mosse Humanities Building • 455 North Park St.
(corner of Park St. and University Ave.) on the UW-Madison campus
Free admission.

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Tuesday, April 23, 2002
Afro-Cuban Percussion Ensemble, John Santos, Director (School of Music)
7:30 pm • Mills Recital Hall • Mosse Humanities Building • 455 North Park St.
(corner of Park St. and University Ave.) on the UW-Madison campus
Free admission.

concert six

Saturday, April 27, 2002
John Santos and The Machete Ensemble with special guests the Ko-thi Dance Company
8 pm • Wisconsin Union Theater • 800 Langdon Street
Tickets: $28 General
$27 Union Members
$13.50 UW-Madison students
Wisconsin Union Theater Box Office, (608) 262-2201

“The Machete Ensemble brilliantly integrates traditional Yoruba and Cuban forms with contemporary instrumentation and arrangements . . . vibrant!”—East Bay Express.

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Courses

Music 427 • Advanced Percussion Ensemble

Music / Afro-American Studies / Dance 469 • Interdisciplinary Studies in the Arts: “The Anatomy of Jazz Latino,” a combined cou rse and public lecture / performance series (below).

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The Anatomy of Jazz Latino: A Seven-Week Lecture and Demonstration Series with John Santos
This unique course will offer students the opportunity to explore and deepen their knowledge of African-based rhythms in the Americas, particularly within the Circum-Caribbean region and the historical development of diverse musical styles within the Latin Jazz tradition. Members of the public are welcome and invited to attend. Free; seating limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. See below for related concerts and performances by visiting artists.

Location: Luther’s Blues, 1401 University Avenue

Time: All meetings 5:00 – 6:30 pm.

Lecture / Demonstration Dates and Schedule:

Thursday, February 21 / Giovanni Hidalgo

Thursday, February 28

Friday, March 8 / Omar Sosa

Thursday, March 14

Wednesday, March 20 / Los Muñequitos de Matanzas

[Thursday, March 28—No meeting, Spring Break]

Thursday, April 4 / John Benitez Latin Jazz Quartet

Thursday, April 11