Students will learn about the history and process of jazz through La Fiesta Latin Jazz Quintet’s performance. The musicians will demonstrate the influence of Latin and African rhythms on the Early Jazz of New Orleans, Swing, Bebop and Modern jazz, and they will play music by players such as Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Chick Corea, and Horace Silver. Students will be involved in call and response, and selected volunteers will dance with the band in the rousing final number with the band (by following the dancing of one of the band members). La Fiesta has been a regular favorite in the schools for many years. We are engaging and exciting for all age levels. Click here to view an excerpt of this program: https://youtu.be/kit5IU1sBkw

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Artist Background

La Fiesta Latin Jazz Quintet comprises players from North Carolina, one of whom is originally from the Dominican Republic. We perform throughout North Carolina in schools, clubs and at festivals. The group is led and directed by Gregg Gelb, who for over 30 years has taught and played jazz throughout the Triangle. Gelb is the recipient of the Raleigh Medal of Arts in 2018, a NC Arts Council Jazz Fellowship, and is the Director of the National award winning Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble.

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Search Criteria

• Discipline: Music
• Grade Level: Elementary, High, Middle
• Program Type: Performance
• Cultural Context: African, African-American, Caribbean, Latinx
• Accepts bookings in Johnston County