Los Angeles Latin Jazz Festival 2008 Announced

                                  Photo Credit: Arts Link (Word Press)
This year's Los Angeles Latin Jazz Festival, located at the L.A. Greek Theater, goes down on Saturday May 10th and features Eddie Palmieri plus the Latin Giants of Jazz, which is just a tad confusing-- isn't Eddie Palmieri a "Latin Giant of Jazz"? Anyway, that name, in short, refers to legendary former members of the Tito Puente Orchestra, as elaborated directly below: 

The Los Angeles Latin Jazz Festival will play the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles for an incredible night of music on Saturday, May 10th.

The date has been set and all the artists have been booked for the “Salsa meets Jazz” night, which will open the world famous Greek Theater’s season on May 10, featuring the Los Angeles Latin Jazz Festival 2008. The headliner for this year’s event is Pianist, Composer, arranger, nine (9) time Grammy Winner Eddie Palmieri. Mr. Palmieri will be performing his big band arrangements of his famous original compositions that have made him one of the most beloved Latin Jazz and Classic Salsa artists throughout the world for over fifty (50) years. Palmieri will perform his classic West Coast favorites (for listening and dancing) compositions like Vamonos pal Monte, Azucar pa Ti, Puerto Rico and Pa la Ocha Tambor among others.

The reunion of former members of the Tito Puente Orchestra “The Latin Giants of Jazz” for the first time in Los Angeles since the untimely passing of ‘El Rey” eight years ago is another highlight of this year’s show. Under the leadership of percussionist Johnny ‘Dandy” Rodriguez and musical direction of arranger, percussionist Jose Madera the other 15 plus year veterans of the Tito Puente Orchestra ( Mitch Froman, Lewis Kahn, Reynaldo Jorge, Pete Miranda and John Walsh among others) will perform music of ‘The King”. During the set The Latin Giants of Jazz will be joined by flautist Dave Valentin, timbale player Oreste Vilato and violinist Alfredo De La Fe who will appear as special invited guests.

Los Angeles local favorites The Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars (who are keeping our big band Latin Music tradition alive) will perform the music that has made them a contender in global Jazz and Latin scene. Jose Rizo’s concept of uniting the best musicians in town to perform “Nuestra Musica” has turned out to be a hit in cities outside of Los Angeles. TJL All-Stars will pay a special salute to Master Congero Francisco Aguabella. Other artists will be confirmed for this special salute to el maestro.

The night will end with a jam session of all mother jam sessions.