The Latin Tinge

I met up with Stacy after work and we headed over to The Latin Tinge (she acted as my sugar mama) for some Latin jazz. Got there and had some awesome appetizers! :)

The venue was the Cook Theater on Central. I had never been there before and was awed by the beautiful architecture. It was really a neat place to have a smaller, more personal concert.

 

Chuchito Valdes was the first to play and he really got the crowd going. As the Indy Jazz Fest website says: "Chuchito Valdes, of the Valdes Cuban piano dynasty presents and evening in homage to his Cuban root and blend of African rhythms and jazz harmonics. His grand-father Bebo and father Chucho have paved the way for this fiery pianist who carried this legacy with great verve and conviction. Sometimes familial pressure forces a son into his father’s profession. Chuchito Valdes, son of famous Cuban pianist Cucho Valdez, claims to have never felt this pressure, but works as a great Latin jazz pianist all the same. And Chuchito is now one of the most exciting piano players around in his own right."

The next to play was Pavel & Direct Contact. They were awesome as well and it ended up that Stacy used to work with one of the band. As the Jazz Fest website says: "Direct Contact Latin Jazz group it is known through the Midwest for its high-energy and challenging music, much in the vain of the modern pyro-technicians of today’s Latin jazz. Direct Contact is also known to be one of the most entertaining Latin Jazz trios in Midwest. The combination of flavors Direct Contact provides will make your experience an unforgettable one. It all began with a group of musicians wanting to do something different and play challenging material. The group name, Direct Contact signifies the captive audience constant communication with the trio."

Stacy and I were cracking up during the second half because of the pianist's facial expressions. We were seriously having a giggle fit. It was hilarious. We had a lot of fun and I was introduced to some awesome new music and venue here in Indy.

For a rainy day: