originally published on MiamiArtZine.com
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by Charlotte Libov
December 26, 2019
The South Beach Jazz Festival, the unique music event that blends great music with a mission, returns for a fourth season of internationally acclaimed musicians and up-and-coming artists.
The festival opens Friday, Jan. 3 at the Colony Theatre with a performance by David Sanborn, the acclaimed six-time Grammy winning saxophonist.
The line-up continues through Sunday, Jan. 5, featuring some of Miami’s top performing and recording artists. Since its inception, the SoBe Jazz Fest had a mission of having each musical performance feature at least one person living with a disability
“We not only present great jazz with some of the most popular artists performing today, we have a greater purpose,” says David New, the festival founder, whose nonprofit organization produces the festival.
New, who is blind, founded the festival to offer great jazz and to demonstrate that people living with disabilities should be defined by their abilities rather than disabilities.
Despite its short history, the festival has drawn an estimated 100,000 people, to enjoy the ticketed and free events, which are held in various venues throughout South Beach, says New.
Joining the festival for the first time this year is Sammy Figueroa, who is not only an accomplished and acclaimed percussionist, but also a familiar favorite among South Florida jazz lovers.
Born in the Bronx and raised in Puerto Rico, Figueroa spent the first part of his career performing in New York City and around the country, and then moved to Miami 22 years ago, under the impression that it would be an ideal place to “rest” between engagements.
But fate had other plans. One night, he ventured into the Van Dyke, Lincoln Road’s famed jazz club since 1944, which closed in 2014, and the manager, recognizing him, invited him to sit in for a set. That led to a regular weekly slot. Then, at the manager’s suggestion, Figueroa formed a band and produced his first record, “And Sammy Walks In,” which was nominated for a Latin Jazz Grammy.
Three more albums and another Latin Jazz Grammy nomination followed, and even more gigs, with some of the world’s greatest pop stars, including David Bowie, Chaka Khan and Mariah Carey. He’s also played with many distinguished jazz artists, including Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, George Benson, and Sonny Rollins, with whom he toured with for three years.
He also picked up two NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) awards for Percussionist of the Year, two Drummie awards for best hand percussionist and the Jazz Journalists Association award for Best Percussionist. He rounds out his activities with appearances in the “Jazz Roots” series at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, presents his own jazz series at Miami Beach’s Faena hotel, and hosts a radio show on WDNA-FM.
It’s a lively jazz scene in Miami now, but it was far different than when Figueroa arrived in here 1997, he recalls.
“Now there are clubs springing up all over. Musically and culturally, Miami is at its effervescent peak,” he says.
At the same time, the South Beach Jazz Festival is also becoming nationally known, he notes. “It takes time for a festival to become known in the country but this particular festival, people are talking about, and I think that’s phenomenal.”
He’s also excited about the lineup.
“What I bring to the table is Latin, with some connotations of jazz. David Sanborn brings the funk, the jazz, the pop, all of that mixture. And the rest of the artists bring that sort of element of tropical music, mixed with an aspect of jazz, and that’s where it gets interested and exciting,” he says, and adds, “It’s very happy music that has jazz elements, which is so appropriate for Miami,” he adds.
Here’s the complete lineup.
Friday, Jan. 3
An Evening with Dave Sanborn, 8 p.m., Colony Theater, 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, $40-60. Having contracted polio at the age of three, Sanborn was introduced to the saxophone as part of his treatment. He has released 24 albums, won six Grammy Awards, and has had eight Gold albums and one Platinum album. Sanborn has worked in many genres which typically blend instrumental pop, R&B and lately, more traditional jazz.
Saturday, Jan. 4
All-Ages Master Class with Grammy award-winning drummer Jonathan Joseph. 11 a.m. Miami Beach Community Church, 1630 Drexel Ave., Miami Beach. Free but registration required. On the jazz scene, Joseph has worked with Latin jazz flutist Nestor Torres and David Sanborn, among many others, including Pat Metheny, Al Jarreau, Mike Stern, Bill Evans, Randy Brecker, Ricky Martin, Richard Bona, and many others.
Jazz in Motion on Ocean. Noon to 6 p.m., Lummis Park, 1130 Ocean Drive, free.
Yainer Horta is a versatile saxophonist, as well as producer and composer, who, throughout his career, has collaborated with many of today’s most popular Latin and world class artists.
Magela Herrera is considered one of Cuba’s leading flute players in jazz and popular music scene.
Ruben Caban has toured, performed, or recorded as a sideman and soloist with an array of internationally renowned artists such as Frankie Valli, Jon Secada, Ed Calle, Nicole Henry, Diane Schuur, Randy Brecker, Arturo Sandoval, Ira Sullivan, and many more.
Kiki Sanchez Jazz Ensemble 8 p.m., Capital One Cafe on Lincoln Road, 1029 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, free.
Kiki Sanchez is a Grammy nominated Peruvian producer, composer, arranger, educator and pianist who performs locally, as well as in San Francisco, New York City, Buenos Aires, Argentina and elsewhere.
Sunday, Jan. 5
Jazz Brunch with Ruben Hoch Chassidic Jazz Project, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hotel Marseilles, 1741 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, $75.
An active member of the New York jazz scene, drummer Ruben Hoch created the Chassidic Jazz Project, which is a synthesis of jazz and chamber music designed to bring the music of Jewish culture to a broader audience.
Nicole Yarling’s Jazz for Tomorrow Student Stage, noon-6 p.m., 111 Lincoln Road Stage, 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, Free
The future generation of jazz musicians take the stage in a program curated by singer and violinist Nicole Yarling.
Performances at Euclid Circle Main Stage, Euclid Avenue and Lincoln Lane, Free
Fanni Sárközy is a multi-award-winning pianist, singer and composer, proficient in jazz and classical music, highly regarded in her native Hungary. (noon)
William Cepeda is a Grammy-nominated artist and composer who revolutionized the field of Latin music in 1992 with his introduction of Afro-Rican Jazz, an innovative blend of traditional Afro-Puerto Rican roots with progressive jazz and world music, and whose ensemble that tours internationally, performing in jazz festivals performing arts venues and clubs all over the world. (1:30 to 3 p.m.)
Ashley Pezzotti is a 21-year-ld vocalist currently living in Miami, who has already performed with Grammy award winning artists including Keith Urban, Latin singer Juanes, Chick Corea, Delfeayo Marsalis, Vampire Weekend, and Arturo Sandoval. (3:15 to 4:15 p.m.)
Sammy Figueroa (4:30 to 6 p.m.) See above feature and interview.
NWS Wallcast Feature – “Ray” starring Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles. 8 p.m., Soundscape Park, 400 17th St., Miami Beach. Free
Events take place throughout Miami Beach.
Prices for ticketed events range from $40 – $75.
For tickets and further information call 786-607-JAZZ (5299) or www.sobejazzfestival.com.
