Sandy Perez, Afro-Cuban percussion
Yocha Dehe Grand Lobby, Mondavi Center
On the program:
Yoruba
Bata—Los guerreros (rhythms of the warriors of the Yoruba pantheon) Elegua, Ogun y Ochosi.
Yemaya—Deity of divine motherhood, associated with the ocean, accompanied by song and dance
Congo
Palo—Religious rites for ancestor spirits. Beings who have passed from this world to the beyond.
Rumba—Popular urban music, an expression and celebration of Cuban daily life.
Guaguancó (a style of rumba)
Sandy Perez has been teaching percussion classes since the age of 14. While focusing on teaching his correct drumming techniques, Perez also instructs students how to play both sacred and secular rhythms. He teaches private and public classes in bata, conga, chekere, cajon, and other percussion instruments. In addition, to being a performer and instructor, Perez is often sought out because of his extensive knowledge of Afro-Cuban folkloric history. He is the director of the Sandy Perez y Su Lade band.
Perez’s level of expertise has afforded him the privilege of performing or recording with a many artists, including: Chuchito Valdez, Steve Coleman, Bobi Cespedes, John Santos, Yosvany Terry, Jesus Diaz, Rebeca Mauleon, Lazaro Galaraga, Francisco Aguabella, Pedrito Martinez, Roman Diaz, Michael Spiro, Junior Terry, Fito Reinoso, Roberto Borrell, Carlos Aldama, Jose Francisco Barroso, Freddy Clarke, Victor Little, Raul Pineda, Felipe Villamil, Grupo Afro Cuba de Matanzas, Los Munequitos, Omar Sosa, Anga Diaz (Iba-Aye), Orlando Poleo, Giovanni Hildalgo, Conjunto Cepedas, Lazaro Roz, Manuel Mendive, Santiago Nani (Iba-aye), Carlos Caro, Josh Jones and more.
Perez is from Matanzas, Cuba, and is now a resident of the Bay Area.
Free, non-ticketed
