Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies and Gregory Burrus Productions proudly present the debut of Cubano Rican Charanga on October 22 — a powerful ensemble that embodies the full historical arc of Cuban, Puerto Rican, and New York Latin musical evolution.

Led by master flutist and saxophonist Dany Martinez, Cubano Rican brings the classic charanga sound into the modern era, blending centuries of European orchestration, Afro‑Cuban rhythmic innovation, and the unmistakable pulse of New York salsa.

Born of Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage and trained at East Harlem’s Harbor Conservatory, Martinez channels deep tradition through flute, violins, and Afro‑Cuban percussion — the signature charanga instrumentation. His ensemble preserves the elegance of 18th‑ and 19th‑century contradanza and danzón while igniting the dance‑floor energy shaped by Havana’s barrios and NYC’s salsa boom.

This special co‑presentation features two major figures in the Latin music landscape:

• Ernesto “Chico” Álvarez — Afro‑Cuban vocalist, percussionist, bandleader, graphic artist, and longtime WBAI radio host whose four decades of cultural work have shaped the region’s Latin music identity.
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• José Calderón — veteran NYC vocalist known for collaborations with Típica ’73, The Dream Team, Los Titanes del Trombon, and touring ensembles across South America and Mexico.

Together, these artists bring a multi‑generational celebration of Latin musical heritage — from European courts to Cuban barrios, from Puerto Rican traditions to New York dance floors, and now to Newark’s historic Clements Place Jazz.

Rutgers IJS and Gregory Burrus invite you to experience Cubano Rican Charanga’s first appearance — a night where scholarship, culture, rhythm, and community meet on one unforgettable stage.

Clements Place Jazz

Wayne Winborne, Executive Director of the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies, and Gregory Burrus, producer of over 300+ live music events across New Jersey, team up once again to bring world‑class music to Clements Place Jazz. Together, they curate unforgettable nights that blend culture, community, and top‑tier artistry — and tonight’s Cubano Rican Charanga debut is no exception.

Come on out, enjoy the vibe, meet great people, and experience Latin music history live on stage

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