Grand Tribute to "El Comandante" Mario Rivera

 

 

 

 



Mario Rivera was a founding member of the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra; a revered virtuosic multi-instrumentalist and beloved mentor to countless musicians. The program will feature artists who loved and worked with Rivera including trumpeter Ray Vega, guitarist Ed Cherry, percussionist Alex Diaz, and Mario’s son, drummer Phoenix Rivera. Joining them on Friday only will be tenor saxophonist George Coleman, followed by trombonist Papo Vazquez on Saturday.  A highlight of both evenings will be a re-creation of Rivera’s classic recording, El Commandante, featuring Ivan Renta, one of Rivera’s protégés and a member of the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. Guided by guest curator and noted researcher Leonardo Ivan Dominguez, we will explore Rivera’s roots in Afro Dominican folkloric music with a segment featuring KumbaCarey, directed by Pedro Raposo and Maria Terrero.