A vibrant celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, showcasing the rich and diverse musical traditions of Puerto Rico.
This dynamic event will feature electrifying live performances by the acclaimed Pablo Shine Latin Jazz Band and Grammy Award nominated Chembo Corniel, accompanied by talented dancers, Bryant Andrews and Vivian Tolentino who will bring the rhythms to life through captivating movement. Together, this Puerto Rican Musical Retrospective will transport the audience on a musical journey exploring the incredible diversity of Puerto Rican music genres—from the soulful sounds of Bomba and Plena to the energetic beats of Salsa and Latin Jazz.
Designed to both entertain and educate, this event offers a unique opportunity to experience the cultural tapestry of Puerto Rican heritage through engaging performances and interactive storytelling. Dolores Quiles, Professor Emeritus from SUNY Ulster, will host the program. She was born and raised by Puerto Rican parents in the South Bronx and was awarded Ulster County’s Hispanic Heritage Award. This free event is being offered by Rosendale Theatre on a donation basis and is made possible with funds from the New York State Legislature and administered by Arts Mid-Hudson.
Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds and rhythms that define Puerto Rican music.
WEPA: Wepa is a versatile Puerto Rican exclamation used to express excitement, congratulations, and joy, similar to the English Oh yeah!, Wow!, or That’s awesome!
ABOUT THE MUSICIANS:
Grammy Nominated Percussionist Wilson “Chembo” Corniel, Jr. was born in Manhattan to proud Puerto Rican parents. He honed his skills at The Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts in New York City and the prestigious La Escuela National de Arte (ENA) in Havana, Cuba. Chembo taught percussion at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music and the Drummer’s Collective. Chembo has toured with many major artists (e.g., Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Willie Colon) nationally and throughout Europe, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean. Chembo leads his own Latin Jazz quintet, “Chembo Corniel Quintet” and received a Grammy nomination for “Best Latin Jazz Album.”
The Pablo Shine Latin Jazz Band has been performing since 2018. Pablo, the winner of the Arts Mid-Hudson award for “Individual Player,” was born in Puerto Rico and was influenced from an early age by live Latin music (e.g., Eddie Palmieri, Sonora Poceña and El Gran Combo). In his early teens, his uncle taught him the basic tumbao, the rhythm that is the life blood of Salsa and Latin Jazz. Later, after moving to Kingston N.Y, he studied Afro-Cuban, Folkloric and religious music under master percussionist Nadhir Velez. He has played with various local bands prior to forming his own band. They play Latin Jazz standards as well as originals by Rick Altman, vibe player and musical director. The other band members are Michael Colletti (bass), Paul Duffy (keyboard), and Carlos Valdez (percussionist).
ABOUT THE DANCERS:
Bryant “Drew” Andrews is a dynamic community leader with over 30 years of human service experience, an unbridled passion for the arts and a dedicated focus on youth engagement. He founded Energy Dance Company, winning national and international awards and recognition for over 25 years. As co-founder of Center for Creative Education (CCE), Drew originated the Artistic Director role in 1999 and became Executive Director in 2016. His vision, contributions and leadership emanated into a larger state-of-the-art facility, a substantial increase in income, and a well-established relationship with schools, businesses, organizations and local legislatures, making a positive, long-term impact on youth and adults in the community.
Vivian Tolentino is a passionate professional dance and fitness dance instructor. She has dedicated her life to the art of movement and expression through dance and fitness. Vivian specializes in various forms of Latin Dance and has extensive experience in film and television. From her mentor, the incomparable Maria Torres, Vivian has gained the unique flavor and technical rhythms of jazz and ballet while fusing the Afro-Caribbean dances styles of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and especially Puerto Rico.
This project is made possible with funds from the New York State Legislature and administered by Arts Mid-Hudson.
