Narrowing the 90 Miles How U.S.-Cuba relations may play out for musicians By Larry Blumenfeld February 16, 2015 Click here to view the article! In late December, 10 days after Presidents Barack Obama and Raúl Castro announced a path toward normalized relations between the U.S. and Cuba, the dressing-room conversation at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Jazz […]

Pedrito Martinez finds new home at NYC’s Subrosa By Julia Xanthos  February 13, 2015 Click here to view the article! Pedrito Martinez, a musician with his drums at his home in Union City, New Jersy on May 23, 2011. Pedrito Martinez has picked up the beat and taken it to a  new home. After a […]

The Pedrito Martinez Group, named for the Union City-based percussionist and vocalist, has received a nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album for their self-titled release. “It’s truly a great honor, a great moment in my career and in my life,” said the 41-year-old.

Last night, Mr. Martinez, front and center with his three-bongo set, partnered with bassist Alvaro Benavides, percussionist Jhair Sala, and keyboardist Edgar Pantoja-Aleman to bring a buoyant dose of Afro-Cuban diplomacy to Port Washington’s Landmark venue. The timing and the tempo were upbeat – and well suited to the short-sleeved musicians’ blend of NYC and the warmer climes of the Caribbean island.

DIPLOMACY 101: PEDRITO MARTINEZ WARMS A POST-COLD WAR LANDMARK Play, Sing, Dance the Distance from Havana to New York By DarkViolin January 24, 2015 Click here to view the article and photos from this performance! It was just over a month ago when President Obama announced that the United States would restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. […]