This season, Cityfolk and the University of Dayton’s Arts Series welcomes Cuban music through November’s Arts Series Concert on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 8 p.m. in Sears Recital Hall. Titled “World Rhythms Concert: The Cuban Connection,” it features Cuban musicians Candido Camero, Jane Bunnett and Hilario Duran. According to the Arts Series website, prominent artists such as acclaimed pianist Van Cilburn, Jack Nicholson and the California-based string foursome the Kronos Quartet have been welcomed over the years for the event series.
Camero is not only a Cuban jazz musician but also a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz master. Born in 1921 in Havana, Cuba, Camero started playing professionally at the age of 14 and came to New York City in 1946. He was featured as a soloist with the Stan Kenton orchestra and performed on the Ed Sullivan Show. Besides these accomplishments, Camero has recorded with the likes of Tony Bennett, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie.
Duran, also from Havana, is a jazz pianist. Currently residing in Canada, he has been nominated for a Latin Grammy and has also recorded with Gillespie. Duran has received awards and nominations for his music in Canada, including the National Jazz Award and the Juno Award, the Canadian version of a Grammy. According to his biography, in 2009, Duran was named one of the 10 most influential Hispanic Canadians.
Ellen Smith, a first-year undecided business major, said that Cuban musicians being in the Arts Series gives people an opportunity to experience different cultures that they may not be familiar with.
Alexandra Hall, a sophomore communication major, said Duran and Camero bring a different music genre to the student body.
“It offers students a unique perspective on the Cuban music scene, which I think is a pretty cool opportunity for students here,” Hall said. “Most people stick to their own genre of music without experiencing music from different cultures, which is important.”
This program is the work of Canadian percussionist Bunnett, who has collaborated with many Cuban musicians for more than thirty years. Bunnett has been twice nominated for Grammy Awards, Best Latin Jazz Recording 2002 for Alma de Santiago and 2003 for Cuban Odyssey, and is a fixture of nominations for Canada’s Juno Awards, according to the Arts Series website.
General Admission is $25, while admission for students is $10. For more information and tickets, contact Cityfolk at 937-496-3863 or visit cityfolk.org.
