Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band at the Garde Arts Center

Legendary conguero sure to excite New London audiences

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mat 8, 2007
Media Contact:
Amy Moum, 860-444-4406;
amy@gardearts.org

(New London, CT) The PONCHO SANCHEZ LATIN BAND, led by legendary conguero Poncho Sanchez, comes to the Garde Arts Center on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 9:00 pm. Tickets are $35 and $30 and are now on sale to the general public.

Jun 01, 2007 3:38 AM - Poncho Sanchez’s congas and seasoned ensemble spin vivacious tales that pay homage to the glories of the half-century tradition that was born when Afro-Cuban rhythms merged with bebop. The bearded, jovial conguero and the members of his veteran octet are living symbols of the best of the modern jazz and tropical Latin traditions. For almost two decades as leader of one of the world’s most celebrated Latin jazz bands, Poncho Sanchez has been an unswervingly-passionate exponent of the bedrock style pioneered half a century ago by such legendary musicians as Machito, Tito Puente, and Dizzy Gillespie. Poncho and his men are undisputed kings of a vibrant hybrid that’s become one of the most dynamic and enduringly popular styles of the century.

The Grammy winner’s newest album, Raise Your Hand (Concord Picante) was just released on May 22, 2007. For Raise Your Hand, Poncho combines his bedrock Latin jazz style with the funky brand of R&B and soul music that inspired him as a teenager in the 1960s. "I love soul music -- the whole thing, from Motown and Stax to James Brown," Poncho readily admits. But the conguero will always stay true to the Latin jazz style he has come to master and define. "When we perform, I tell people, 'This is Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band,'" he concludes, strongly accenting the words "Latin jazz."

“Call it Latin Jazz, Cubob, buga-loo, jazz-funk or whatever but master conguero Poncho Sanchez has perfected the unions of Afro-Cuban polyrhythms and jazz
melodies. It’s an infectious amalgam that has sustained the percussionist for more than
three decades while earning him a respected spot in both Latin and mainstream jazz
worlds, erasing any cultural differences that plague larger society.”
-Michael J. Renner, Jazz Series Review

Over the years, Sanchez has hand-picked guest artists who have had a special role in shaping his growth as a musician, from trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and saxophonist Eddie Harris, to Latin jazz patriarch Tito Puente, conga titan Mongo Santamaria and the late Ray Charles. His 2005 release Do
It! featured the entire nine member Tower of Power, an iconic group that has become a high-octane symbol of the funk era of the 1970s. “I’m just doing the things I grew up with and that I respect and really love,” Sanchez says. “It’s part of my life.”

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Media Info
For photos and interviews, please contact Amy Moum, amy@gardearts.org.

Artist Weblink
www.ponchosanchez.com

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CALENDAR LISTING

What:
PONCHO SANCHEZ
Legendary conguero Poncho Sanchez and one of the world’s most celebrated Latin jazz bands bring the best of the modern jazz and tropical Latin traditions to the Garde Arts Center.

When: Saturday, July 28, 2007, 9 pm

Where: Garde Arts Center, 325 State Street, New London, CT 06320

Ticket Prices: $35, $30

On-Line Sales: www.gardearts.org

Box Office Phone: 860-444-7373, ext. 1

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The Garde Arts Center is Southeastern Connecticut’s non-profit center for the performing arts. The Garde owns and operates the historic Garde Theatre where it presents musicals, opera, orchestras, contemporary music, dance, and family events. The Garde produces the annual New London Film Festival, and provides after-school programs and matinee performances to more than 10,000 young people. Under the leadership of Steve Sigel, Executive Director, since 1988, the Garde has become a major catalyst for the cultural and economic revitalization of New London.

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