Tito Puente, an American Master
Lecture and performance by Bobby Sanabria

In this program, multi-Grammy nominated drummer, percussionist, composer, arranger, and educator, Bobby Sanabria presents a bio-performance of the life of a true American genius, Ernest Anthony Puente Jr., known to the world as Tito Puente. Using photographs, video, recordings, and professional and personal anecdotes Mr. Sanabria creates an intimate portrait of this legendary master of jazz and Latin music. Mr. Sanabria combines narrative and performance to bring to life Puente’s history and legacy from his early years in New York City's East Harlem (El Barrio) as a child prodigy in dance, drums, and piano, to his years of service in the Navy during WW II, to his post-war years and his incredible rise as a celebrated musician, bandleader, composer, and arranger, known to the world as the king of the timbales.

This 2-hour program will take place on April 16, 2009 at the University at Albany, State University of New York, 7:30 pm in CS 375. It is free and open to the public. This program highlights the contribution to American culture of a legendary Puerto Rican artist. During his lifetime Puente recorded over 100 LPs and CDs. In 1992 he was inducted into the National Congressional record. In 1993 he received the Smithsonian Medal. His star is in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. An amphitheatre bears his name in Puerto Rico. In 2007 a post-office in New York City was named after him. Yet, he is not as well-known as he should be, especially among young people. His life and work exemplify the intersection of Afro-American, European, and Afro-Caribbean cultural traditions as well as the virtues of pluralism and diversity and the value of artistic freedom. These features warrant attention from a broad spectrum of the public and most certainly from members of the Capital Region community, especially those whose image of Puerto Ricans and Latinos is based on stereotypes.

 Where: Universty at Albany, State University of New York in CS 375