Cuban Son Maestros Conjunto Chappottín y sus Estrellas to Perform at The Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles

 

Renowned Cuban band Conjunto Chappottín y sus Estrellas is set to perform a free concert on Thursday, July 31, 2014, at 8:00 p.m. at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles (California). This is Conjunto Chappottín y sus Estrellas’ very first U.S. tour. The group has roots dating back to the 1940s. For decades, Conjunto Chappottín has been one of the leading Cuban “son” groups, combining brass, percussion, guitar, piano, and vocals into a vibrant mix of Cuban music and Latin jazz.

The group’s founder, Arsenio Rodriguez (1911–1970), was one of Cuba’s most celebrated bandleaders. He pioneered the use of reeds and brass instruments in a Latin music band and is widely regarded a major influence on Latin, jazz, and salsa music.

When Rodriguez left Cuba in 1950 to go to New York, he transferred the baton to his first trumpet player, Felix Chappottín. For the remainder of the decade, Chappottín and his group, featuring vocalist Gerardo Martinez, released hit after hit and appeared regularly on Cuban television. Despite the band’s political struggles with the Cuban government and dictator Gerardo Machado, Chappottín continued to inspire Afro-Cuban music with his sweet-toned trumpet playing.

He successfully led Conjunto Chappottín until his death in 1983, after which his son, Angel Chappottín Valdes, carried on as musical director. Since the 1990s, Jesus Angel Chappottín Coto, the grandson of Felix Chappottín, has directed the band together with singer and percussionist Miguelito Cuni, Jr.

available recordings include Miguelito Cuní y el Conjunto Chappottín con Sus Estrellas, Una Nueva Generacion, Legends of Cuban Music, Seguimos Aqui Chappottineando, and La Academia del Son.

At this performance, for one night only, the Skirball will clear away much of the usual courtyard seating in order to lay down a large dance floor. Seating will be very limited.

Before the band appears on stage, Tom Schnabel, of KCRW’s “Rhythm Planet,” will present a DJ set starting at 7:00 p.m.

Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepúlveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-4500
skirball.org
Free admission; no reservations
Limited seating on a first-come, first-served basis
Sunset Concerts parking: $10 per car (cash only); carpooling is encouraged
Street parking strictly prohibited
Or take Metro Rapid 761

Concertgoers must show a date-of-concert Skirball parking stub, Metro pass, or taxi receipt for concert admission.