Jazz at Centrum

Paquito Rivera to Join Jazz Port Townsend in 2008

We are pleased to welcome NEA Jazz Master Paquito D'Rivera to Jazz Port Townsend in 2008. Born in Cuba, the eight-time Grammy Award-winning clarinetist and saxophonist began his career as a teen prodigy, creating various original and ground-breaking musical ensembles.

As a founding member of the Orquesta Cubana de Música Moderna, he directed that group for two years, while at the same time playing both the clarinet and saxophone with the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra.

D'Rivera eventually went on to premiere several works by notable Cuban composers with the same orchestra. Additionally, he was a founding member and co-director of the innovative musical ensemble Irakere. With its explosive mixture of jazz, rock, classical, and traditional Cuban music never before heard, Irakere toured extensively throughout Europe and the Americas.

Paquito D'Rivera's first recognition as a solo artist by the Grammy Recording Academy came in 1996 with the highly acclaimed recording Portraits of Cuba. Since then, D'Rivera has received numerous recognitions as an artist and composer. 

WANTED: Percussion for Choro Workshop

Demand for our November Choro workshop has been outstanding. The workshop is now full, and we're starting a waiting list.

However, we need 3-5 percussion players to round out the instrument mix. If you "do" percussion, or know someone who does, please contact Bill Kiely ASAP at 360-385-3102 x 106.

...and if you haven't purchased your tickets to the Choro concert on November 10, call our ticket office at 360-385-3102 x 117 before they disappear!