Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band Comes To Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College continues its 2009-2010 World Stages series with the internationally acclaimed Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 8pm. Widely acknowledged as the most popular Latin jazz artist in the world today, Grammy Award winner Poncho Sanchez brings his explosive congas and legendary
ensemble to Brooklyn for a night of Afro-Cuban jazz, salsa, and vintage Latin soul, including tracks from his most recent release, Psychedelic Blues.

Following the performance, Mr. Sanchez will be honored with Brooklyn Center's Cultural Leadership Award at the "Fiesta Caliente" gala benefit on the stage of the Walt Whitman Theatre. The intimate, ticketed post-performance celebration will feature specialty mojitos and Cuban culinary delights. All proceeds from the gala go towards supporting Brooklyn Center's arts education, dance, theater and music programs.

About Poncho Sanchez
Growing up in California, Poncho Sanchez was influenced by two very different styles of music: Afro-Cuban music (mambo, son, cha-cha, rumba, guaracha, salsa) and bebop jazz, including the works of Charlie Parker. Originally a guitarist, he discovered his talent for singing during an audition for an R&B band that rehearsed across the street from where he lived, becoming the lead vocalist of the group. Sanchez would later go on to teach himself the flute, drums, and timbales before finally deciding to pursue conga-playing in high school.

In 1975 Sanchez's idol, Latin jazz vibraphonist Cal Tjader, invited him to perform one set with his band. Seeing Sanchez's talent, Tjader hired him on as a full member of the ensemble. Sanchez played a crucial role as conguero (conga player) for several years until Tjader's death in 1982. At Tjader's request, Sanchez was signed by Concord Records soon after his mentor's death. Throughout Sanchez's three decade career he has recorded 30 albums, including his latest 2009 release Psychedelic Blues. Sanchez. He and his ensemble have garnered several Grammy nominations and won the 2000 GrammyAward for Best Latin Jazz Album for their work on the Concord Picante album Latin Soul.

The Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band features Poncho Sanchez (congas), David Torres (piano and musical director), George Ortiz (timbales), Joey De León (bongos & percussion), Tony Banda (bass), Javier Vergara (saxophones and flute), Ron Blake (trumpet & flugelhorn), Francisco Torres (trombone) and Larry Sanchez (sound engineer).

About Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Founded in 1954, the mission of Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts is to present outstanding performing arts and arts education programs, reflective of Brooklyn's diverse communities, at affordable prices. Brooklyn Center's presentations explore both the classical traditions and the boldest contemporary performances, embracing the world culture that defines Brooklyn. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts welcomes over 70,000 people to the 2,400 seat Walt Whitman Theatre each season, and boasts one of the largest arts education programs in the borough, serving schoolchildren from over 300 schools annually.

Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band at Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College, 2900 Campus Road, Brooklyn
Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 8pm
Performance tickets: $35, $25
Gala tickets: $150 (performance only), $250 (performance plus Fiesta Caliente)

Online orders: BrooklynCenterOnline.org
Box Office: (718) 951-4500, Tuesday - Saturday, 1PM - 6PM
Groups of 15 or more: (718) 951-4600, ext. 33

Major support for Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' World Stages: Music series is provided by National Grid.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' programs are made possible in part with public funding from the City of New York Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding for the 2009-2010 season is provided by: Target; JP Morgan Chase; Brooklyn Community Foundation; Con Edison; Macy's; TD Bank; the Carnegie Corporation of New York; Air Jamaica; The Harkness Foundation for Dance; and the Lila Acheson Wallace Theater Fund, established in the New York Community Trust by founders of The Reader's Digest Association. Additional support provided by CNG Publications, The Brooklyn Eagle, and WBGO. Marriott New York LaGuardia Airport is the official hotel of Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts 2009-2010 season. Backstage catering is graciously provided by Applebee's.

Brooklyn Center acknowledges the support of Assemblymembers Karim Camara, Steven H. Cymbrowitz, Rhoda Jacobs, Alan Maisel, Joan L. Millman, N. Nick Perry, Annette Robinson, and Helene E. Weinstein, members of the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York State Assembly, and New York State Senators Martine Malavé Dilan, Kevin S. Parker, and John L. Sampson. Special thanks to Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Councilman Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. Councilmembers Kendall B. Stewart and Albert Vann, and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin.

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