Event details
GRAMMY-nominated artists Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez leave audiences mesmerized by their fearless playing. A classically trained piano virtuoso discovered by Quincy Jones, Rodriguez and his band blend the precision of European composers with the fire of Cuban jazz. Martinez, a percussionist and vocalist steeped in Afro-Cuban folklore, brings raw power and contagious rhythm forged in the streets of Havana. Together, these two master musicians take listeners on a unique and exciting journey through a variety of moods and influences, from Cuban classics to collaborative original compositions and unexpected favorites. Opening the concert will be Hamilton de Holanda, one of Brazil’s most celebrated choro musicians, with his trio. A five-time Latin GRAMMY winner, de Holanda’s talents are defined by his ability to blend Brazilian traditions with global sounds that bridge the worlds of jazz, choro, and beyond.
Wed Feb 17 | 8PM
Thu Feb 18 | 8PMÂ
Ticket prices
$59–$79
“Pedrito is a genius…working with him has been a revelation to me.”
– Wynton Marsalis
Media
About the Artist
Alfredo Rodriguez
Alfredo Rodriguez is a Cuban pianist, composer, and producer recognized worldwide for his explosive blend of jazz, classical virtuosity, and Afro-Cuban roots. Born in Havana, Alfredo has built an international career defined by fearless creativity, technical brilliance, and an unmistakable rhythmic identity.
His latest album, ¡TAKE COVER!, was born on the road — on airplanes, during soundchecks, and on stages around the world. The project reimagines some of the most iconic songs of all time through Cuban, Caribbean, and Latin rhythms, transforming global classics into vibrant, high-energy musical experiences. Created live and shaped by his audience, ¡TAKE COVER! is Alfredo’s most personal release to date — a direct reflection of the spontaneous energy that only exists between artist and crowd.
Alfredo’s music has reached millions across digital platforms, with viral performances amassing millions of views worldwide. His global tours continue to sell out venues across Europe, Latin America, and the United States, where audiences experience a rare connection between virtuosity, rhythm, and emotion.
Driven by passion, cultural pride, and a deep connection to his audience, Alfredo Rodriguez continues to redefine what modern Afro-Cuban jazz can be — bold, joyful, powerful, and unmistakably alive.
Pedrito Martinez
Pedro Pablo “Pedrito” Martinez (born September 12, 1973, in Havana, Cuba) began his musical career at age 11. Since moving to New York City in 1998, he has performed or recorded with artists including Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Chucho Valdés, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, and Sting, contributing to over 100 albums. A master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and the batá drum, he is widely regarded as a leading rumbero, known for his work as a singer, percussionist, and dancer, as well as appearances in films such as Calle 54 and Chico and Rita.
Martinez was a founding member of the Afro-Cuban/Afrobeat band Yerba Buena before launching The Pedrito Martinez Group in 2005. Their 2013 debut album earned a Grammy nomination and critical recognition from NPR and The Boston Globe. The follow-up, Habana Dreams (2016), featured artists such as Rubén Blades and Angélique Kidjo.
In 2019, he released Duologue with pianist Alfredo RodrĂguez, produced by Quincy Jones, and collaborated with Eric Clapton on “My Father’s Eyes,” which they later performed at the Crossroads Guitar Festival.
More recently, Martinez released the album “Illusión Óptica” and appeared on Telemundo and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, continuing to expand his global reach.
Pedrito Martinez uses LP Percussion, A. Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth drumsticks, DW drums, Remo drumheads, and Earthworks audio mics
Hamilton De Holanda
Hamilton de Holanda is one of Brazil’s most celebrated musicians—a global ambassador, virtuoso performer, and groundbreaking improviser. Picking up the mandolin at the age of five, he redefined the 10-string version of the instrument, transforming it into a versatile voice that bridges the worlds of jazz, choro, and beyond.
The foundation of his music comes from a combination of family encouragement, formal training with a university degree in composition, and the freedom of BrasĂlia’s choro street jams, where he grew up.
A four-time Latin Grammy winner with 17 nominations—including a Grammy nod for Best Latin Jazz Album—Hamilton is a multi-award-winning musician. In Brazil, he has achieved star status, earning widespread acclaim from critics, peers, and audiences alike.
Recognized for his unique approach to improvisation and electrifying stage presence, Hamilton’s influence continues to grow. In 2024 alone, he achieved 14 million streams across 180 countries and reached over 800,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
In addition to his career as a performer, Hamilton was one of the founders of the world’s first Choro School, established in BrasĂlia in 1997. He also spearheaded a petition to Brazil’s National Congress to establish a National Day of Choro, helping to secure the genre’s cultural legacy.
Hamilton’s career is defined by his ability to blend Brazilian traditions with global sounds. His collaborations include music legends such as Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Milton Nascimento, Djavan, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Dave Matthews, John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), and Hermeto Pascoal.
He has performed on some of the world’s most iconic stages, including the Grand Palais in Paris, the Smithsonian in Washington, and the Jean Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, as well as at renowned music festivals such as Montreux Jazz, Newport Jazz, Montreal, Umbria Jazz, Marciac, and North Sea Jazz, among others. His performances have also marked historic moments, including the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Summer Games and a private concert for world leaders at the G20 Summit, where he captivated kings, presidents, and prime ministers from countries such as the USA, France, Germany, Canada, India, Brazil, and many others.
His upcoming live album, recorded in the U.S. with the Hamilton de Holanda Trio, is set to be released in late March 2025. This new work adds to his extensive discography of over 40 albums, most of which were released independently. Over the years, he has also partnered with prestigious labels such as ECM and Universal, and he is currently signed to Sony Brasil. The album will feature his signature fusion of Brazilian roots and jazz improvisation, with special guest Chris Potter adding a unique dimension to the project.
Hamilton’s music connects cultures, celebrates diversity, and pushes the boundaries of sound, solidifying his place as a true innovator and cultural ambassador.
Jazz Club at The Soraya
Immerse yourself in the Jazz scene. Savor drinks at prime tables, mingle with friends, and witness fearless Jazz artists in an electrifying, up-close performance.
Upcoming Performances
Featuring Pacific Jazz Orchestra
Chris Walden, conductor
Sutton Foster
Featuring Pacific Jazz Orchestra
Chris Walden, conductor
Sat Sep 19 | 8PM
Somni
with Special Guest
CSUN Jazz “A” Band