Danilo Pérez's Global Messengers

This inspiring new endeavor is not surprising coming from Pérez, the paragon of an international jazz citizen and a visionary leader who elevates and inspires communities around the world through his performances, educational programs and concert productions. He launched the Berklee Global Jazz Institute in 2009, which connects an international cadre of brilliant young musicians to the historical, social, and cultural roots of the sounds they study. The Global Messengers are all graduates of the program, featuring Iraqi/Jordanian violinist Layth Sidiq, Palestinian cellist Naseem Alatrash, Jerusalem-born Palestinian percussionist Tareq Rantisi, American vocalist Farayi Malek, and Greek laouto (lute) player Vasilis Kostas.

The GRAMMY-winning Perez became one of jazz’s most widely acclaimed young pianists through his work with Dizzy Gillespie’s United Nation Orchestra and has released over a dozen albums as a leader. For the last two decades, he has been part of the epochal Wayne Shorter Quartet.

Opening the show is Cuban pianist Dayramir Gonzalez — an artist mentored by Chucho Valdés whose “bravado-infused pianism naturally extends the brilliant legacy of Cuban jazz pianists” (LA Weekly). He performs a solo piano set.