Afro-Caribbean Musical Roots

Among all the profound musical expressions of Latin America, it is the music of Cuba that has had the strongest influence on the music of the United States from the 19th century to the present day. Cuban rhythms, styles, dances, melodies, instruments, musicians, arrangers, and composers have made an indelible mark on ragtime, swing, bebop, R&B, rock, soul, funk, salsa, hip hop and beyond.

With a focus on Cuba, Bay Area Latin jazz great and 7-time Grammy nominee John Santos introduces the mix of cultures that have made Caribbean music and dance so distinctive and have spread the islands' artistry far and wide. We'll learn about the mix of African and European cultures, and secular and sacred traditions, that have birthed and influenced popular music and dance in the Americas and around the world.

Multi-Grammy-nominated Puerto Rican/Cape Verdean percussionist John Santos is a prolific Afro-Latin band leader, composer, educator and producer with over 50 years professional experience. He has worked with acknowledged masters including Cachao, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Bebo Valdés, Max Roach, Eddie Palmieri, and Omar Sosa. He has taught extensively nationally and internationally for over 40 years and has been directing the highly-acclaimed John Santos Sextet since 2006. John was a member of the Latin Jazz Advisory Committee of the Smithsonian Institution. November 12, 2006 was declared John Santos Day in the city of San Francisco by Mayor Gavin Newsom.