a nonprofit presenter of jazz artistic and education programs
chief conguero
Poncho Sanchez
song sample
Poncho Sanchez El Agua de Belen
artist personnel
poncho sanchez congas ron blake trumpet javier vergara alto and tenor saxophone francisco torres trombone tony banda bass david torres piano joey de leon bongo, tres george ortiz timbales
Poncho Sanchez saturday, october 24, 8PM Herbst Theatre
Non-Members: $30| $50| $70 Premium seat map buy tickets
Members: $22| $37| $52 Premium seat map buy tickets

Conga king Poncho Sanchez leads one of the most high-profile Latin jazz bands from his home in Los Angeles, but his ties to Northern California run deep. Sanchez recorded two memorable live albums at Kimball’s East in Emeryville, and spent eight formative years with pioneering Bay Area vibraphonist Cal Tjader. Since taking up Tjader’s mantle 30 years ago, Sanchez has become a Latin jazz icon, a crowd-pleasing bandleader whose formidable combo alternates between dance–inducing mambo beats, scorching salsa soul and tightly arranged jazz numbers. His latest CD, Raise Your Hand, continues a brilliant run at the Concord label group, where they have released 22 albums by the burly conguero.

“As Elvis is to rock...Poncho is to salsa.” los angeles times “All that’s right with classic N’awlins piano” Chicago Sun-Times