The Jazz Room Presents: Pedrito Martinez

Overview

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

Back, by popular demand, Havana-born Latin Jazz superstar, percussionist Pedrito Martinez returns to the JAZZ ROOM with his powerhouse ensemble and vibrant Afro-Cuban sounds, performing his captivating high-energy dance worthy grooves, in partnership with the Charlotte International Arts Festival, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Havana-born Latin Jazz superstar, percussionist Perdito Martinez delivers the vibrant Afro-Cuban sounds to the JAZZ ROOM Stage along with his powerhouse ensemble, performing his captivating traditional and high-energy dance worthy grooves. Martinez has performed or recorded with Wynton Marsalis, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Angelique Kidjo, Chucho Valdés and James Taylor. 

Pedro Pablo “Pedrito” Martinez was born in Havana, Cuba, Sept 12, 1973 in the Cayo Hueso neighborhood of Old Havana, and began his musical career at the age of 11.Since settling in New York City in the fall of 1998, Pedrito has recorded or performed with Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Paquito D’Rivera, Chucho Valdez, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Palmieri, Dave Matthews, Jackson Browne, Elton John, James Taylor and Sting, and has contributed to well over 100 albums.  A consummate master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and the batá drum he is also the world’s first-call rumbero—playing, singing, and dancing with dozens of Cuban rumba groups and contributing to, or appearing in, several important films, including Calle 54 (2000) and Chico and Rita (2010).