Afro-Spanish torch singer Buika, Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez, neo-bossa nova artist Bebel Gilberto, and Latin-Grammy nominee Natalie Cole are among the artists set to bring a Latin tinge to the Blue Note Jazz Festival in June.
The month-long festival will feature an increased Latin music presence during its fifth edition due to the addition of a new Blue Note Entertainment venue in Manhattan. The Latin and World music club Subrosa, which has hosted shows since late 2014, will have its official opening April 14-20.
During the Blue Note Festival, Subrosa will host concerts by Martinez, Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodríguez, Latin soul group Fulaso, and The Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra.
Buika, who performs frequently for diverse New York audiences, will play Town Hall, as will Natalie Cole, who will sing cuts from her 2013 Natalie Cole en Español album during another show. Flamenco jazz guitarist Ottmar Liebert, with band Luna Negra, are scheduled for B.B. King’s Blues Club. Gilberto and Latin jazz staple Gato Barbieri will both perform at the Blue Note Jazz Club.
Latin music fans could also be drawn to a concert at Town Hall by Freshlyground. The African collective became known worldwide after collaborating with Shakira on “Waka Waka.” The group will give a concert at B.B. King’s during the Blue Note festival.