A Blind Tiger Tribute to Mongo Santamaria | Sep 24

The Gift of Jazz’s next Centennial Series celebration will be a Blind Tiger event paying tribute to legendary conguero, Ramón “Mongo” Santamaría. A rumba quinto master and an Afro-Cuban Latin jazz percussionist, Mongo is most famous for being the composer of the jazz standard “Afro Blue”  and was an integral figure in the fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms with R&B and soul, paving the way for the boogaloo era of the late 1960s. His 1963 hit rendition of Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

The music will be presented  by Ritmo Jazz Latino, Denver’s premier Latin jazz ensemble featuring: Dr. Walter Barr-trumpet, flugelhorn, arranger, Francisco Mejias-congos, bata, coro, Gonzalo Teppas-double bass, Cristine Barbosa-vocalist, pianist, composer, and Dr. Peter Ellington-keyboards & percussion.

Gift of Jazz presents

A Bling Tiger Tribute to Mongo Santamaria

Sunday, September 24 – Noon to 3pm

at Mercury Cafe

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Plus, as a special treat,  this Gift of Jazz event will feature a Latin Dance Lesson with Senora and Jig Gillespie starting at noon. And as with all our Blind Tiger events, a gourmet meal with accompanying libations will be included. Seating is limited, so make your reservation today!