By Jackie Knell,
There are about “Ninety Miles” between the tip of Florida and Cuba, a short distance that seems even shorter through a vibrant blend of jazz music styles.
The Center for the Performing Arts will hold its last jazz concert of the season at 7:30 tonight at the Schwab Auditorium, an event that will feature artists from the United States as well as Cuba, Puerto Rico and Venezuela.
Vibraphonist Stefon Harris, trumpeter Nicholas Payton and saxophonist David Sánchez will headline the event, along with performances by pianist Edward Simon, bassist Ricky Rodriguez and drummer Henry Cole.
John Mark Rafacz, editorial manager at the CPA, said he hopes the concert demonstrates how close the two countries really are, despite the fact that they may be viewed by many as “politically lightyears apart.”
“I think with an artistic collaboration like this one, you can really transcend those boundaries,” Rafacz said.
He said that although the countries have been at odds since the Fidel Castro revolution, Cuba is in America’s backyard and there is so much it can learn from Cuba’s culture.
“Music is really the international language that is able to transcend boundaries,” Rafacz said. “It’s a great way to find common ground.”
Rafacz said he believes this is one of the most notable collaboration performances of its kind to happen in the past few years.
Ronnie Burrage, professor of practice of African American studies, said he has had the chance to record with Simon, working with saxophonist John Ellis.
“He’s a great pianist, arranger and composer,” Burrage said. “He has the great ability to re-harmonize music in his performance.”
Burrage also said Harris is a very versatile vibraphonist who draws on the melodic style of legendary jazz vibraphonist, Bobby Hutcherson.
Read more: http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2013/04/02/Ninety_Miles_merges_American_and_Latin_jazz.aspx
