Dr. Carlos & Laura Perez-Mesa Memorial Concert

Elio Villafranca & Friends: Chick Corea Afro-Caribbean Experience

As always it is with great anticipation and excitement that, each year, dating to 2000, we look forward to presenting the Annual Dr. Carlos & Laura Perez-Mesa Memorial Concert. This season we are pleased to feature the extremely accomplished Cuban-born  PIANIST/COMPOSER ELIO VILLAFRANCA who, “hosts” this annual performance that celebrates Jazz Series patrons, Carlos and Laura Perez-Mesa, both who were true patrons of the arts and humanities. The classically trained Villafranca, a 2021 Guggenheim Fellow who makes his first series appearance, delivers a program centered on one of his most significant mentors under the banner of: The Chick Corea Afro-Caribbean Experience. The pianist leads a riveting sextet comprised of: SAXOPHONIST JOEL FRAHM, TRUMPETER FREDDIE HENDRIX, BASSIST EDWARD PEREZ, DRUMMER ERIC HARLAND and PERCUSSIONIST MAURICIO HERRERA.  

Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023

"Jazz in the District"

Missouri Theatre

Doors: 6 | Start: 7

Elio Villafranca & Friends: Chick Corea Afro-Caribbean Experience

Elio Villafranca: Piano
Freddie Hendrix: Trumpet
Joel Frahm: Tenor Saxophone
Edward Perez: Bass
Mauricio Herrera: Percussion
Eric Harland: Drums

Now living in the States, Villafranca has emerged as a commanding presence on the jazz scene, not just in the U.S. but throughout the world.

- DownBeat


All performances/personnel, dates are subject to Pandemic Developments. We adhere to Boone Co./Columbia Health Dept. & CDC Guidelines.

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