This percussion-packed double bill celebrates the extraordinary resilience and creativity of African diasporic culture in the Americas, a rhythmic and spiritual bounty that continues to offer new blooms. Bay Area percussion icon John Santos presents “Roots of Jazz Latino,” a program exploring Afro-Latin musical heritage from a multi-national perspective. His sextet is joined by a dazzling cast of special guests, including Fania All-Stars timbales legend Orestes Vilató and Afro-Peruvian vocalist Marina Lavalle. 

Lavalle, who spent many years touring and recording with the great folkloric ensemble Peru Negro, is also featured in the Afro-Peruvian Coalition, a collective that brings together performers known internationally as guardians of Afro-Peruvian music and dance. Led by percussionist/vocalist Pedro Rosales, a leading force on the Bay Area’s Afro-Peruvian cultural scene for three decades, the Coalition includes fellow Peruvians Braulio Barrera on congas/vocals and dancer Nadia Calmet, who’s worked as a choreographer and soloist for legendary Afro-Peruvian singer Eva Ayllon.