Sax in the City

Paquito D’Rivera brings brass to the Gusman.

By Carlos Suarez De Jesus

published: January 31, 2008

After an astonishingly prolific half-century in the music biz, saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera shows no signs of slowing down. His most recent album, the heavy-swinging Funk Tango, was nominated this year for a Grammy in the Best Latin Jazz Recording category. Here’s hoping he can add to his collection -- the magnetic musician snagged his first Grammy for Portraits of Cuba in 1996. Tonight at 8, the award-winning jazz master brings his dynamic quintet to the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, hoping to blister the barrio with his sizzling sounds.

The concert kicks off Miami Dade College’s Cultura del Lobo series, which will feature a dance-theater performance, poetry, music, and dance ensembles this season. Tonight D’Rivera will explore the worlds of Latin jazz, playing recent recordings that range from Brazilian samba, Cuban contradanza, and Peruvian landó, to a Latin-bop rendition of Coltrane's classic “Giant Steps.” Tickets range from $18 to $32 and can be ordered online at www.mdc.edu/culture.
Sat., Feb. 2, 8 p.m., 2008