Dec.3, 2011 "Spanish Harlem Orchestra" at the Annenerg Center 8 PM

Salsa Navidad

December 3

New York style and sophistication meet Afro-Caribbean rhythm and passion with the Spanish Harlem Orchestra—the musical embodiment of the steamy, culturally rich neighborhood of Spanish Harlem. Directed by world-renowned pianist, arranger and producer Oscar Hernández, this explosive 13-member, Grammy® award-winning ensemble has reintroduced the classic sounds of New York City salsa to music lovers worldwide. In their brand new, family-friendly holiday program, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra will invigorate classic holiday songs with their special Latin flare and leave you dancing in the aisles!

December 2, 2011 7:00 PM Benefit Concert for Cuban Quakers

Please join us for an evening of wonderful Cuban music and refreshments as we gather together for a fundraiser to help our Quaker Friends in Holguin, Cuba.

The William Penn Charter School will host a benefit to raise money for the Quaker community in Holguin, Cuba, that is in dire need of financial assistance and supplies for living, as well as materials for rebuilding their church and other buildings.

On Friday, December 2, Conjunto Philadelphia, a Cuban ensemble directed by Jeff Torchon, will be headlining this benefit event. Jeff, a Penn Charter graduate, is currently part of the IT staff at PC, and also teaches music and directs the MS and US Jazz Bands at Germantown Friends School. Conjunto Philadelphia is a musical ensemble based in the Philadelphia area performing the music of Pre-Revolutionary Cuba. The group's main aspiration is to maintain the authenticity of the music, while performing it in a way that pays homage to Cuba's deep and treasured musical history. Penn Charter's acapella group, the Quaker Dozen, will also perform, along with other musical guests. Cuban refreshments will be served and donations will be accepted at the door.

We will also learn more about this Cuban Quaker community and the challenges they face in a presentation from Fran Bradley, a member of George School, who has been running a humanitarian service trip to Cuba for the past 30 years. Another trip is planned for the summer of 2012.

This event will hopefully pave the way for a relationship between Quakers in Cuba and the broader Quaker community here in Philadelphia. Please join us on Friday, December 2 from 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm at Penn Charter's David L. Kurtz Center for the Performing Arts, 3000 West School House Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19144. A suggested donation of $5 will be accepted at the door, and higher donations are most welcome and appreciated.

You can check out Conjunto Philadelphia online at www.torchonmusic.com

If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Torchon at 215-450-1349 or jazzjeff88@gmail.com

We hope to see you there for a wonderful evening of great Cuban music and fellowship in support of our Quaker Friends in Holguin, Cuba.

November 26, 2011 Conjunto Philadelphia at World Cafe Live PHL 9 PM

Conjunto Philadelphia is a musical ensemble based in the Philadelphia area performing the music of Pre-Revolutionary Cuba. The group's main aspiration is to maintain the authenticity of the music while performing it in a way that pays homage to Cuba's deep and treasured musical history. Genres include Son, Cha-cha-chá, Bolero, and Danzón.



Thursday, August 11, 2011 | Show 9pm | Upstairs Live

Advance Tickets:
General Admission Seating/Standing*: 10 ($7 ticket + $3 processing fee)

Day of Show Tickets:
General Admission Seating/Standing*: $12 ($9 ticket + $3 processing fee)



Saturday, November 26th, 2011 | Show 9pm | Upstairs Live


Tickets:
General Admission Seating/Standing*: $15 ($12 ticket + $3 processing fee)

November 26 7:00 PM and November 27, 2011 at 4:00 PM Kulu Mele: Sacred Journeys at the Painted Bride Art Center

November 26, 7:00 PM and Sunday, November 27, 4:00 PM

Sacred Journeys is a celebration of faith and the human spirit featuring new and revised selections from Kùlú Mèlé’s extensive repertoire of Afro-Cuban and West African sacred dance. Founded in 1969 by Robert Crowder, Kùlú Mèlé is known for infusing traditional African dance with urban American flair. The company has graced stages from New York to Guinea and throughout the African Diaspora, distinguishing itself with beautiful costumes, a thrilling percussion battery and dynamic choreography. General admission to Sacred Journeys is $20 in advance/$25 day of show; children under 12: $12 in advance/$15 day of show. For more information, visit www.kulumele.org.

Nov. 20, 2011 "Still Black, Still Proud" An African Tribute to James Brown 7 PM at the Annenberg Center

Discovering the points at which African and American music strike sparks off each other, Pee Wee Ellis (“The Man Who Invented Funk”) and a host of stars including Maceo Parker, Vusi Mahlasela and Vieux Farka Touré bring James Brown’s revolutionary music full circle in this innovative, rhythm-fueled tribute to Afro-funk. This extraordinary line-up of international talent celebrates the lasting legacy of the “Godfather of Soul” and explores the deep relationship between soul, funk and modern African music with timeless hits such as “I Feel Good” and “Gonna Have a Funky Good Time.” Artists from the United States and Africa join together in an ensemble that the Boston Globe dubs “a pancontinental funk-soul supergroup,” and that All About Jazz proclaims is simply “explosive.”

November 20, 2011 7:30 PM Kyo Daiko and Unidos da Filadelfia at Calvary United Methodist Church

48th Street and Baltimore Ave.
Philadelphia Pa
Tickets $5. to $15. on a sliding scale
Founded in 2005, Kyo Daiko is a community- based group, which is the result of a collaboration between Settlement Music School and Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in Fairmount Park.

The group is led by instructor Kristopher Rudzinski, who is a member of the Settlement Music School percussion faculty. Mr. Rudzinski has performed with the group Taikoza, as well as studying with Taikoza’s founder, Mr. Marco Lienhard.

Kyo Daiko performs regularly at schools and community events, and has performed XPN’s World Cafe, the Kimmel Center’s Summer Solstice Celebration and ESPN’s Monday Night Football.

Unidos da Filadelfia (Philadelphia United) is a community-based samba school modeled after the Carnaval parade organizations of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador da Bahia in Brazil. Founded in 2005, the school's mission is to spread the joy and excitement of Brazilian percussion through music education and performance. Members of the school have the opportunity to play the traditional percussion instruments and learn the rhythmic styles of Brazilian Carnaval, and to perform at various community events. No prior musical experience is necessary.

November 19, 2011 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM "Bomplenazo de Otoño"

Instituto Puertorriqueño de Música
2661 N. 5th Street
Philadelphia PA 19133

November 18, 2011 6:30-8:30 PM "Dos Y Mas" Elio Villafranca and Arturo Stable

AMLA Presents

DOS Y MAS
A musical duet of exquisite beauty performed by rising Cuban/Jazz/Classical crossover masters, Elio Villafranca and Arturo Stable. Villafranca's virtuosic and multifaceted pianism engages Stable's poly-rhythmic percussion genius on ten original compositions that tribute the spiritual, classical and traditional legacies of Cuba, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Spain.
Where: 191 W. Hunting Park Ave., Philadelphia Pa

Rumba dance class has been extended through November 18th, with possibly more classes to be added soon. Come learn the flirtatious rumba dance to the live percussion of 4 outstanding drummers, and a great Cuban instructor, George Pupy Castellanos.
Address: 1417 N. 2nd St. (enter through iron gated parking lot on 2nd Street)

November 12, 2011 6:00 PM African Musician Oumou Sangaré at Penn Museum

Well known African musician Oumou Sangaré performs LIVE at 8 pm.

The Museum's African Gallery and the "Imagine Africa with the Penn Museum" gallery project remain open from 6:00 pm to 7:45 pm.

Presented by the African and Caribbean Business Council and Orijin Magazine.

Tickets: $40 general admission, in advance and at the door.
Students with Penncards, $20. For ticket information: (215) 327-7783.

November 12, 2011 Underground at Ron's #45

UNDERGROUND AT RON'S # 45
PRESENTS
Multi Instrumentalist Jeremy Dyen
w/ Percussionist Josh Robinson
Saturday, November 12,
1012 E Southampton Ave Wyndmoor, Pa. 19038

8:00PM - Show Time Community Drum Circle/Potluck 7:00 - 7:50PM
$20.00 (or less if needed)

1012 E Southampton Ave Wyndmoor, Pa 19038
Concert Space is limited to 70

Contact Ron To Reserve Seats NOW at:
215 233 0777 or ron@musicinthemoment.com

24 hr. notice is appreciated in case of cancellation. Some refreshment & non-alcoholic beverage will be provided. Feel free to bring a Potluck. There is on street parking, as well as at the top of the hill on Flourtown Ave. in the Professional Center lot. Support Underground at Ron's by coming to this event, inviting your friends to join you & by forwarding this invitation to others.

Thanks! ... IN PEACE .. Ron

Fridays, October 21 to November 11 at Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas

Rumba dance class
7:00-9:00 PM Fridays Oct.21 through Nov. 11, 2011
Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas
1417 N. 2nd Street (enter through the parking lot on 2nd St., inside iron gates)
Philadelphia PA
$15. per class
The first three classes were a huge success! There is nothing like learning to dance to live drumming by such accomplished percussionists as Andres Cisneros, Shakoor Sanders, Yinka Moore, and Christian Noguera. George Pupy Castellanos is a patient and thorough teacher, and you will leave class with a natural high.

November 12, 2011 Venissa Santi and her Afro-Cuban Sextet at Chris' Jazz Cafe

2 Shows: 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM
Chris' Jazz Cafe
1421 Sansom St.
Philadelphia Pa
215-568-3131
$20.
Venissa Santi with a full sextet and guest artists sitting in.
Born in NY, trained in jazz in Philly, and schooled in sacred/secular music in her ancestral homeland of Cuba, vocalist Venissa Santí traveled a long road to develop her signature musical style. She is a 2008 PEW Fellow, signed to Sunnyside Records.
"Venissa Santi is a refreshing spirit, an extraordinarily talented and diverse musician with the knack for making the unexpected sound so welcome." -- Pianist, Educator, Author, Rebeca Mauleon

November 3, 2011 Rhythm Class with Ron Kravitz

Hi Folks ... I will be teaching a rhythm class tonight at my place, (1012 E Southampton Ave Wyndmoor, Pa 19038 ) Thurs. Nov. 3, 7:30 - 9:00pm. $16.00
This class will happen through the month of Nov. on Thurs. evenings.

Quint Lange will be back to teach on Thurs evenings, Dec. 1, 8, & 15 for a 3 week session and for ongoing 6 week sessions
beginning Jan 5.

In tomorrow nights class, some areas of play that we might cover are the following ...
Playing/improvising over a groove ( with a big assist from Joe Machamer who will provide the steady beat)
Utilizing other instruments from the percussion collection as well as the djembes/bells/dunduns.
Going over some basic djembe technique for those in need.
Some African rhythms.
Playing in different meters and how to navigate between them ... 2 (2/4), 3 (3/4), 4 (4/4) 6 (6/8)
We will have fun!
If you are able to attend, please contact me no later than 5pm to confirm.
215 233 0777 or email.
Thanks!
Ron

November 2, 2011 7:00-10:00 PM Conjunto Philadelphia at Chris' Jazz Cafe

7PM-10PM
Cover is $10; $5 got students.

For those of you who have never been to Chris' Jazz Café:

1421 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA. 19102

Great Food, Great Drinks, Great Music!
There will be a dance floor and plenty of Cuban Music for all!

November 3, 2011 7:30 PM Compañia Flamenca Jose Porcel at the Temple Performing Arts Center

Compañia Flamenca Jose Porcel November 3, 2011 - 7:30 pm The Compañia Flamenca Jose Porcel was founded in Madrid, Spain and is among the premier dance troupes that exhibits the exciting art form of Flamenca. As a folkloric celebration where, even when "theatre art" is being provided, Flamenca retains irresistible erotic appeal and irrepressible enery. Thought to have originated in Andalucia toward the fifteenth century, during the Gypsies' encounter with the inhabitants of southern Spain, it has developed into a 'theatrical performance' only over the past century. Compañia Flamenca Jose Porcel brings this tradition to life vibrantly and colorfully with live musicians, vocalists and of course dancers and has delighted audiences around the world for many years. The Company scored a sensational success with their coast to coast tour of North America in the 2008-2009 season and returns to the United States and Canada in the 2011-2012 season in their thrilling new program “Gypsy Fire”. Performance in Lew Klein Hall .

October 29, 2011 9:30 PM Halloween Costume Party with PhillyBloco at The Blockley

Halloween Costume Party at The Blockley



Saturday, October 29th, 2011



Doors: 8pm / Show: 9:30pm



Tickets: $12/$15 (adv/door)



Ages 21+

October 29, 2011 8 PM Elio Villafranca and The Jass Syncopators at the Painted Bride Art Center

ELIO VILLAFRANCA & THE JASS SYNCOPATORS featuring Victor Lewis and special guest, members of Los Pleneros de la 21
Sat. October 29 | 8pm
$25 in advance, $30 day of show

Cuban-born Latin/modern jazz pianist-composer Elio Villafranca, internationally acclaimed for his genre-bending approach to modern Latin jazz, returns to the Bride to deliver a brand new project. Backed by his quintet and members of Los Pleneros de la 21, the fiery instrumentalist challenges the boundaries of jazz by fusing it with the syncopated nature of Afro-Caribbean music forms including ‘Bomba’ of Puerto Rico. Using an interpretive musical approach echoing Duke Ellington’s Colored Syncopators, Villafranca continues to produce unique compositional works. Featuring a folkloric dancer and a diverse group of musicians, Elio Villafranca & The Jass Syncopators strive to create a multi-layered musical/cultural dialogue enabling dancer and each musician to assert their unique artistic voice while maintaining the syncopation of the ensemble’s collective conversation.

Personnel and instrumentation: Victor Lewis- drums, Bruce Harris – trumpet, Greg Tardy – tenor sax, Gregg August – bass, Elio Villafranca – piano / compositions. Los Pleneros de la 21: Loisa Gutierrez-Rivera – dancer, Juango Gutierrez – barril-buleador, Nelson Mateo Gonzalez – barril-primo. Elio Villafranca played the Bride in February 2011 as accompaniment to the Philly debut of Cuban-born drummer-leader Francisco Mela.

His last performance at the Bride back in February as accompaniment to the Philly debut of Cuban-born drummer-leader Francisco Mela, Villafranca raised the roof with his tantalizing Afro-Cuban infused improvisational solos. Audiences anticipating Villafranca’s spiritually sublime passage through Cuba as leader need wait no longer. Fans of progressive jazz and world music will all want to grab a seat for this trip!

The fiery instrumentalist-composer is internationally acclaimed for his genre-bending approach to modern Latin jazz. He effortlessly combines the rhythmic vitality of his native Cuba with a straight ahead sensibility steeped in the bop tradition, and the result is a music that is stunning and fresh, but that resonates powerfully with the influence of his beloved forebears. Full of highly complex rhythms yet sophisticated and refined and emotionally expressive, his work has earned respect from Cuba’s performing-recording piano forefathers including Chucho Valdes, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, as well as the great pioneers of other traditions including Paquito d’Rivera, Wynton Marsalis, Giovanni Hidalgo, and Dafnis Prieto. Villafranca often collaborates with Jass Syncopaters, a variable-lineup group that has included Philly’s own Terrell Stafford (Temple University, Jazz Studies Dept.), legendary drummer Billy Hart, as well as Sean Jones, and Greg Tardy. The evening’s personnel and instrument configuration will be announced soon!

Oct. 28, 2011 7:30 PM "Omar Sosa Afreecanos Quartet and Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band" at The Annenberg Center

Afro-Cuban jazz great Omar Sosa and the legendary Jerry Gonzalez team up with their bands for one incredible double bill. Hailed by All About Jazz as a true “fusion artist in the best sense of the word,” who “mixes his Cuban roots with tastes of bebop, free jazz, even hip hop and electronica, into a strikingly fresh and spicy modern stew that’s much more than the sum of its ingredients,” Omar Sosa will bring the audience to its feet with his dynamic playing and improvisational mastery. Then, Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band—the band the New York Times calls “the best Latin Jazz group working” and one of the most influential modern Afro-Caribbean jazz groups in the world—take the stage with their unique fusion of complex Latin rhythms and impeccable jazz improvisations.
Tickets $20-$45.


Also, the second rumba dance class at Raices Culturales takes place Oct. 28th. Learn authentic Afro-Cuban rumba from an excellent Cuban teacher, taught to live percussion by accomplished musicians: Andres Cisneros, Christian Noguera, Yinka Moore, and Shakoor Sanders.

October 26, 2011 5:30-7:30 PM An Evening to Imagine Africa at Penn Museum

Community Night
An Evening to Imagine Africa

Explore the vast continent of Africa through an evening of traditional and modern music, dance, and storytelling with local artists. Be adventurous, and take a scavenger hunt around the Museum discovering new ways to connect with ancient artifacts.

Admission is free!

Oct. 25 and 26, 2011 "Drumline Live" at the Merriam Theater 7:30 PM

Drumline Live kicks off its second U.S. tour! The show's vibrant cast has honed its precision and energy with years of training in marching band programs across the southern United States. This versatile group of musicians and dancers brings an explosive energy and athleticism to an eclectic mix of sounds. Equally at home with the hottest contemporary hip-hop, R&B, classic Motown tunes, and the rousing sounds of the great brass tradition, Drumline Live is thrilled to share the American Marching Band experience with Philadelphia audiences

"We've taken the excitement of an HBCU football game halftime show, increased the intensity by a thousand watts, and created a musical journey that will touch every emotion." — Don P. Roberts, Creator and Director
Tickets $20-$35.