Edward Simon and the Ensemble Venezuela; Aquiles Baez Ensemble; VNote Ensemble

Sunday, June 8, 7PM

Herbst Theatre

Seating chart

$25

$30

$36

Premium $56

“It's Simon's ability to make every note count and every phrase feel special that makes his work truly sing” – All About Jazz

Experience the vibrant diversity of Venezuelan music, from African drumming to Caribbean calypso, with two international stars—pianist Simon and guitarist Baez—and Bay Area favorite Jackeline Rago’s VNote Ensemble.

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Situated on the northern tip of South America, Venezuela has close cultural ties not only to its continental neighbors but to the Caribbean and Africa as well. Each of tonight’s acclaimed artists—pianist Edward Simon, guitarist Aquiles Báez and Jackeline Rago’s VNote Ensemble—display the vibrant diversity and manifold expressions of this cultural cross exposure.

Raised on the coastal town of Punta Cardón, Edward Simon studied classical piano at the University of the Arts and jazz at the Manhattan School of Music. After settling in New York City, Simon shined in bands led by alto saxophonist Bobby Watson and trumpeter Terence Blanchard. His own compositions, featured on albums like Edward Simon (Kokopelli, 1994) and Simplicitas (Criss Cross, 2005)—both ranked “Top 10 New York Times jazz albums—brilliantly incorporate Venezuelan, jazz, and classical traditions.

It is difficult to determine in which field Aquiles Báez has made the biggest impact: as an educator, including time spent teaching at the Berklee School of Music; as a sideman with clarinetist Paquito D’Rivera, mandolin master Mike Marshall and pianist Danilo Pérez; or as a champion of Venezuelan and other regional rhythms and harmonies. What is certain is that each facet of his wide-ranging mastery shines in every live performance.

Caracas native and current Oakland resident Jackeline Rago has lived a busy life since moving to the Bay Area some 20 years ago. Also a producer, composer, arranger and educator, the Venezuelan folk music expert is the artistic and musical director of the Venezuelan Music Project. She cofounded the VNote Ensemble (née The Snake Trio), which performs tonight.

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