Summer Jazz at the Athenaeum in La Jolla and Winter Preview for Upcoming Fall Jazz Performances

I had the absolute pleasure of seeing the South American and Colombian Jazz star Mr. Edmar Castaneda and his Trio Wednesday night at La Jolla’s own Music & Arts Library.  My first time at this unique venue proved to be a sold out thrill, filled with local jazz artists, writers and long time San Diego culture vultures.

Mr. Castaneda has been lauded as a contemporary harp jazz musician since he moved to the U.S. in 1994, marveling the country as well as internationally, performing his new album Entre Cuerdas which translates to “between strings.” His smile beams of pure joy as he warmly introduces himself, clearly comfortable and extremely groomed in Latin Jazz and Cumbia music.  He opened his first set with the song Canto, which means “to sing” in Spanish.  The crowd came alive and the interaction between the bands performance and the 120 beaming faces warmed the soul. 

A highlight was Entre Cuerdas where he composed a fun and danceable rhythm and the trio plays and banters back.  This joyous conversation between the musicians and the harp move seamlessly and the audience participated when ever they could.  Cumbia is a Latin American music style that originated in Colombia's Caribbean coastal region.  The waves of the trio are digestible for anyone looking for a great live gig.  His appealing modern understanding and mastery of the harp dances with story telling appeal – sometimes sounding like the flutes on Andean mountains and then a recognizable romantic and serene Latin paradise. 

An audience favorite, Colombian Dixie spoke of being inspired by the 1950’s big band South American Cumbia as well as Mr. Lucho Bermúdez (father of Cumbia).

 Joining the Colombian harpist on stage for a special collaboration was Mr. Shlomi Cohen, saxophonist, originally from Tel Aviv, and Mr. David Silliman, drums/percussions from San Francisco.  Each is a musician with stellar performance and jazz repertoires.  They all managed to share the cozy stage and collaborate well together – obviously they have this thing down and enjoy every second of it.

Before closing this summer’s annual Farrell Family Jazz season at the Athenaeum, Castaneda played in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.  Inspired by the harp and his devotion to Colombia and his wife and family, his talent mesmerized the sold out crowd.  One patron said, “Edmar’s infections and unexpected sound set off my summer music calendar – what a fun surprise.”

For nearly 30 years San Diego audiences have had the pleasure of enjoying jazz concerts here with some of the best nationally and internationally recognized jazz artists.  The Farrell Family Jazz at the Athenaeum wrapped up the summer series this week.  They are proud to present six concerts this fall and next spring at The Neurosciences Institute and will feature legendary vibraphonist Gary Burton, a 40th-anniversary celebration by the Oregon quartet, and a new CD-release concert by Mike Wofford and Holly Hofmann.

The Athenaeum also presents a chamber concert series, a three-day festival of modern music, a summer festival, and a total of 30 free mini-concerts.  They also house books, DVDs, CD’s, and a vinyl record collection in there historic Museum and Library.

To listen to Edmar Castaneda’s album Entre Cuerdas and see videos visit edmarcastaneda.com.

Tickets

Single: $27/32

Series: $75/90

Location for Fall 2011 Jazz Program

(October 12 – November 26)

The Neurosciences Institute

10640 John Jay Hopkins Dr.

La Jolla, CA

Reservations:

ljathenaeum.org/jazz or 858-454-5872