Opening concert in New York of Leyendas – Legends of Latin American Music series

Leyendas is a new series produced by New York City’s The Town Hall in association with Claudia Norman that celebrates the world’s great figures in Latin music with performances with living legends, tributes to famed masters, never-before-seen collaborations, first performance of new works, and much more. The series, taking place semi-annually in May and November.

The series begins on May 15th with the first concert collaboration of Eva Ayllon and Albita, stars from Peru and Cuba who have captivated audiences worldwide with their thrilling interpretations of the upbeat and infectious folk music of their native countries. Eva and Albita, appearing separately and together, will present songs from their classic repertoires and new works. Accompanying artists include Eva’s 7-piece ensemble from Peru, and Albita’s band comprised of New York musicians.

The great Eva Ayllon, called the “Queen of Afro-Peruvian Song,” is one of the most important perfotrmers of Peruvian music. She is an icon to millions of fans around the world. Eva Ayllon is the foremost exponent of the vibrant Peruvian musica criolla – a soul-stirring blend of African, Spanish and indigenous traditions, and is regarded as the top singer of Afro-Peruvian landos and festejos. She has recorded over 20 albums, including 4 platinum and 10 gold records.

In the 1970s Eva Ayllon appeared in many local peñas (nightclubs), became the lead vocalist in the popular Los Kipus trio, and began touring internationally. In 1989, she sang with Alex Acuña’s Peruvian jazz band Los Hijos del Sol, sealing her status as a Peruvian national star. She first came to the attention of US audiences with the release of the compilation CD, The Soul of Black Peru (Luaka Bop label), in 1995; since then she has recorded her first US- produced albums and held highly successful concerts at Carnegie Hall.

Cuban vocalist Albita has been acclaimed for her powerful and exuberant performances, adding her own distinctive style to the music of her homeland. She was born in Havana to parents who were popular musicians in country folk music (música guajira). By the late 1980s she had become a rising star, renowned as a singer and songwriter who drew on traditional Cuban genres.

Settling in 1993 in Miami, she became the toast of the town with her exciting renditions of Cuban son, bolero, rumba and mambo, attracting the attention of such famous celebrities as Madonna and Gloria Estefan. To date, she has performed throughout Europe, Latin America, Australia and Africa, and shared the stage with Celia Cruz, Tito Puentes, Gilberto Gil, Miriam Makeba, Phil Collins, and Tony Bennett, among others. She has hosted her own national television show on Mega TV (for which she won an Emmy in 2008), won two Grammy awards for Albita Llego (“Best Contemporary Tropical Album”), and played a major role in the musical The Mambo Kings.

Thursday, May 15, 2014 8:00 Pm
The Town Hall, 123 W. 43rd Street, NYC
Tickets: $55, $60, $65

Available at Ticketmaster 800-982-2787, Ticketmaster.com & Town Hall Box Office

Information: http://thetownhall.org/event/483-eva-ayllon-albita