The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) is proud to welcome Palenke Arts and master percussionist and singer Jesús Díaz y su QBA in Noche Cubana, an evening of infectious Cuban music featuring the sounds of the Cuban danzón, cha cha chá, son montuno, timba y mucho más! 

Saturday, April 30, 2022
8-10pm
World Theater Building 28 (parking permits required on campus)
Tickets:  $25-general admission, CSUMB Students-first 100 CSUMB students FREE

As taken from our friends at Palenke Arts:

Cuban born percussionist and vocalist Jesus Diaz arrived in the United States from La Habana in 1980. He quickly identified the Bay Area music scene as the grounds to establish his new home. His local and worldwide performances in collaboration with world renowned and acclaimed artists are recognized for their contributions to the richness of an ever expanding musical genre.

A multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and vocalist, Díaz has established himself as one of the most in-demand performers and studio musicians worldwide. As an educator, he has participated in several prominent clinics and workshops including Berklee College of Music, SFJAZZ, Stanford Jazz Workshop, Drummers Collective NY, and Jazz Camp West to name a few. In collaboration with his group Talking Drums, which includes fellow percussionists Michael Spiro and David Garibaldi, he has contributed to various Warner Brothers instructional books and videos.

Jesus Díaz has performed, toured or recorded with such artists as, Stevie Wonder, The Dave Mathews Band (DMB), Carlos Santana, Andy Narrell, Dizzy Gillespie, Bobbie Womack, Steve Coleman, Caribbean Jazz Project, Planet Drum, Talking Drums, Pete Escovedo / Sheila E, José Luis Quintana "Changuito", Giovanni Hidalgo, Rebecca Mauleón & Round Trip, Omar Sosa, Columna "B", John Calloway, and Conjunto Céspedes, among many others.

PERSONNEL

• Jesús Díaz - Lead Vocals and percussion
• Julio De La Cruz - Bass
• Murray Low - Piano (two-time Grammy nominee)
• Colin Douglas - Drums (Grammy winner)
• Omar Ledezma - Congas
• Jeff Cressman - Trombone
• Mike Olmos - Trumpet
• Orlando Torriente - Vocals .

Special guest: KEVIN RICARD, American Idol, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Kevin Ricard’s versatility and musicality are the most important things he brings to each recording or performance. He brings a sense of groove to Rock, Jazz, Pop, and R&B styles, and adds authenticity to Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian styles. Whether it’s the Brazilian groove of Sergio Mendes, the timeless music of Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie, or playing with legends like Steve Winwood, Kenny Loggins, or the late, great Celia Cruz, Kevin shows he can move smoothly between diverse styles and why he’s in constant demand. Kevin's long list of recording credits includes Joe Zawinul, B.B. King, Natalie Cole, Wayne Shorter, Marc Anthony, Kenny Loggins, Juan Gabriel, Queen Latifah, Enrique Iglesias, Jill Scott, Take 6 and numerous others.

Kevin has also performed on a number of movie scores including The Hangover, The Pink Panther 1 & 2, The Great Debaters, Traitor, Speed, The Adams Family Values, A Bugs Life, Woman On Top and many more. Kevin's professional television career includes being a member of the house bands for Dancing with the Stars, America's Got Talent, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and American Idol.

Palenke Arts is a multicultural arts organization whose mission is to educate, inspire and transform the community of Seaside through the arts. Our organization was founded in 2015 by a committed group of artists, educators and community members who recognized the urgent need for multicultural arts and music programs and events in the city of Seaside, especially for the youth, and envisioned the creation of a multicultural arts center.   For more information, visit palenkearts.com.