Sat 12/6 @ 6PM
In January 2004, Cleveland jazz musician/band leader/educator Roberto Ocasio died in an auto accident on an icy day, leaving the Cleveland music community and the local Puerto Rican community bereft. His influence is still felt though, thanks to the family and friends who founded the Roberto Ocasio Foundation to continue his work of inspiring young jazz musicians. Its artistic director is New York-based percussionist Bobby Sanabria, who was a classmate of Ocasio’s at Berklee College of Music in Boston. He’s been to Cleveland many times to headline events for the foundation.
He’ll be back again this weekend for a free Latin Jazz holiday concert the foundation is hosting at the Breen Center for the Arts in Ohio City. In addition to Sanabria, performers include Tres Magos (Three Magicians), local jazz musicians Jackie Warren on piano and Kip Reed on bass, the Saint Ignatius High School Jazz Ensemble & guest students and the Puerto Rican Parranderos. The program will include jazz, Latin music and holiday tunes from diverse cultures.
The evening starts with a welcome reception in the lobby at 6pm, followed by the 7pm concert and a closing reception. All ages are welcome.