The Georgia Straight proudly sponsors Chucho Valdés Quartet

Cuban jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer Chucho Valdés performs at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC on November 2 at 8 p.m. The award-winning musician will lead a quartet featuring John Benitez on bass, Horacio Hernandez on drums, and Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo on percussion through an evening that includes jazz, classical, bop, and traditional Cuban music.

Valdés was born outside of Havana, began his music education at the age of three, and has gone on to become one of Cuba’s most celebrated musicians. He formed his first jazz trio at the age of 15 and made his official debut in 1959 with the Sabor de Cuba Orchestra. Valdés won his first Grammy Award in 1979 and has won a total of five Grammys and three Latin Grammys to date.

Valdés’ performance in Vancouver will be preceded by a free pre-show talk for ticket holders by world music specialist and percussionist Dr. Sal Ferreras at 7:15 p.m. at the Chan Centre. Tickets start at $36 and can be purchased online or by calling the Chan Centre box office at 604-822-2697.