NM Jazz Latino Orchestra with special guest, Frankie Vasquez

Showcasing the extraordinary musical talents of artists living in New Mexico, including trombonist/percussionist César Bauvallet, saxophonist Doug Lawrence, pianist Mariano Morales, vocalist Jackie Zamora, and many others, the NM Jazz Latino Orchestra performs both straight-up Latin jazz as well as a fusion of folkloric rhythms with jazz elements. The Orchestra also regularly invites international guest artists to perform with them, introducing audiences to the traditional instrumentation and rhythms from Latin America. This year’s performance will once again feature the dynamic Frankie Vasquez, who electrified audiences in a performance with NMJLO last year at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. An internationally renowned musician, Efrain “Frankie” Vasquez, born in Salinas, Puerto Rico, began performing with his own band at his father’s restaurant at the age of 16, first as a conga player and then as a lead singer. A year later, he had played in three orchestras around Puerto Rico, and subsequently was invited to New York to perform on his first recording with Fuego 77. Currently, he has over 20 album collaborations to his credit, and has performed throughout the world. $25/$20 Members & Students (no Member Passes)