MAC Music presents the KabuJazz Ensemble feat. Candida Rose in a free, outdoor concert at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center, 465 Mill Street, Marion. The concert will take place on Sunday, May 31 at 4:00 pm. This family-friendly, all ages event is open to the public. Guests are invited to bring their own lawn chairs and refreshments. In case of foul weather, the concert will be moved indoors at the community center. Parking and bathrooms are available on site.
Under the leadership of Candida Rose Baptista and musical direction of J. L. Santos Spencer, the KabuJazz Ensemble is a group of talented Cabo Verdean and Jazz-oriented musicians who come together to bring a unique combination of Cabo Verdean and American – primarily Jazz – musical influences to audiences cross-country, a combination Candida Rose has labeled “KabuJazz”.
Starting with Candida’s debut CD in 2006 entitled KabuMerikana: The Sum of ME, the KabuJazz Ensemble has seen many configurations of well-known musicians which have included John Kordalewski, Santi Debriano, Manny Santos, Kalu Monteiro, Djim Job, Zerui DePina, Justin Ramos, and the late Lance Gunberg, just to name a few. The current core group, with Candida Rose on Lead Vocals, consists of: Heribar Estrela on Keyboards and Background Vocals, Santos Spencer on Guitar and Background Vocals, Tchico Evora on Drumset and Percussion, and Emmanuel Escobar on Bass, Saxophone, and other wind instruments.
The KabuJazz Ensemble has entertained audiences at events and festivals far as Alaska, as well as in the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and general New England areas. Along with Candida Rose’s presentations of KabuMerikanus – The Sum of US: Exploring the Cabo Verde/United States Musical Connection and Legacy, the group has educated students at various New England schools with assemblies and cultural workshops. More information at marionartcenter.org/events