Teen Prodigy Tony Madruga at the Van Dyke Cafe This Thursday

Most children hate piano lessons when they are forced upon them by overambitious parents. And sometimes, children in musical households don't necessarily follow mom and dad into music. But neither of these scenarios was the case with Pembroke Pines' Tony Madruga. Learning the piano at the age of five, Madruga...

By Abel Folgar

April 20, 2011

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Most children hate piano lessons when they are forced upon them by overambitious parents. And sometimes, children in musical households don't necessarily follow mom and dad into music. But neither of these scenarios was the case with Pembroke Pines' Tony Madruga.

Learning the piano at the age of five, Madruga hit the competition circuit only three years later. And he has been winning acclaim and accolades since, thanks in large part to his parents who cultivated a strong sense of music around the house.

While prodigiously talented, Madruga has always gravitated towards jazz and he's well-known for jazzing up songs regardless of genre. What is even more impressive is the calm and assured demeanor of this teen, whether facing jazz giants onstage or holding his own.

In 2009, he even shared the stage with Paquito D'Rivera and Wynton Marsalis at the White House in front of the Obamas.

Download: Tony Madruga's "Jam F Blues"

Tony Madruga. Thursday, April 21. The Van Dyke, 846 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach. Call 305-534-3600 or visit thevandykecafe.com.

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