Jane Bunnett And Maqueque at The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church

On Friday March 16th, award winning saxophonist and band leader Jane Bunnett brings her all female Afro-Cuban jazz band Maqueque (pronounced Makaykay) to Charlottesville for the first time. The concert will take place at The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church on Rugby Road at 8:00pm.

Jane’s debut recording “In Dew Time” featuring American jazz legends Dewey Redman and Don Pullen stunned the jazz world in 1987, garnering many international awards. But for the last 35 years, the Canadian born Bunnett, has been digging into the music of Cuba, embracing the unique rhythms, melodies and culture of the island. Bunnett has worked tirelessly to promote Cuban jazz worldwide, and to provide its practitioners with performance opportunities far beyond their borders. Bunnett’s Toronto home has also served as a hub for several generations of Cuban players, many spending weeks or months in her guest rooms. ...

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On Friday March 16th, award winning saxophonist and band leader Jane Bunnett brings her all female Afro-Cuban jazz band Maqueque (pronounced Makaykay) to Charlottesville for the first time. The concert will take place at The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church on Rugby Road at 8:00pm.

Jane’s debut recording “In Dew Time” featuring American jazz legends Dewey Redman and Don Pullen stunned the jazz world in 1987, garnering many international awards. But for the last 35 years, the Canadian born Bunnett, has been digging into the music of Cuba, embracing the unique rhythms, melodies and culture of the island. Bunnett has worked tirelessly to promote Cuban jazz worldwide, and to provide its practitioners with performance opportunities far beyond their borders. Bunnett’s Toronto home has also served as a hub for several generations of Cuban players, many spending weeks or months in her guest rooms.

Maqueque’s 2017 recording Oddara was nominated for a Grammy award for Best Latin Jazz CD. The group’s current tour will bring the band to the Newport Jazz Festival and The Monterey Jazz Festival, among other prestigious venues.

As an educator, spokesperson and social activist, Jane Bunnett remains unafraid to explore uncharted territory. “Everything I’ve done,” she says with pride, “has led up to this group, which is the perfect vehicle for me now.” In addition to Jane on soprano sax and flute, Maqueque currently includes Melvis Santa vocals, Danae Olano on piano and vocals, Celia Jimenez electric bass, Mary Paz on congas and other percussion, and Yissy Garcia on drums. Yissy Garcia received considerable acclaim for her recent performance with Dave Matthews at Lincoln Center.

Tickets to see Jane Bunnett and Maqueque March 16th at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church are available online at Maqueque.brownpapertickets.com, and in person at The Tin Whistle Irish Pub, Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 3pm, cash or checks only. The cost is $20 general admission, $15 for paid supporters of The Charlottesville Jazz Society, and $10 for all students. All tickets will be $25 at the door if available. For more information call Gary at (434) 249-6191, and be sure to listen for the music of Jane Bunnett and Maqueque on WTJU.

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