Francois Wiss, Román Lajara, and Danny Valdez are proud to present their unique renditions of the many hits of the Cuban legends of the Buena Vista Social Club. They will perform all the beloved classics of Ibrahim Ferrer, Eliades Ochoa, Ruben Gonzales, and of course Compay Segundo, but also some hidden gems from their repertoire, blended with accents of flamenco and World music, offering a fresh take and their vision on these timeless tunes.
Francois Wiss is a French-American musician and producer based in NYC for the past two decades. Born in Paris in 1973, and brought up in a family of musicians, he studied with maestros such as Terry Fleming, Juan del Gastor, El Mati, Belaïd Aït Adbdallah, and Pierre Culaz. His unique style of guitar playing is inspired by flamenco, North African, Latin, World music, jazz, and psychedelic rock. From the edgy scene of Camden Town in the 90’s, to Andalusia, and the Americas, Francois Wiss has always been looking for inspiration in the music played out on the street, improvising, sharing, and jamming with strangers and people met along the way. This is how innovation meets tradition; and how the old ways of street musicians, which are still very alive in La Havana today, are both preserved and constantly reinvented.
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, New York based Grammy and Latin Grammy nominee guitarist, tresero and composer Román Lajara is one of the most exciting players of his generation. His passion for Jazz, Latin Music, and Arabo- Andalusian Music has allowed him to create a unique voice on his instrument. Mentored by Grammy award winner Michael Mossman, he became a vital member of the Latin jazz scene, Sharing the stage and recording with Richard Bona, Paquito d’Rivera, Marcus Miller, but also Latin legends such as Ruben Blades, Willie Colon, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Gloria Trevi and Diego Torres. On April 30th 2024 Roman was selected by UNESCO and Herbie Hancock Institute to play and arrange a musical segment for International Jazz Day Global Concert, hosted in Morocco by Oscar winner Jeremy Irons. This International Event is the biggest Jazz concert in the world, gathering millions of viewers thru PBS and all social platforms.
Raised in NYC with Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage, Jose Ramon Rosario is a versatile artist with a multifaceted career. Over five decades, he has excelled both as an actor, collaborating with some of the most prominent figures in American entertainment, and as a musician, particularly as a percussionist and harpist, where his collaborations span across the globe with countless artists and projects.
The rich repertoire of the Buena Vista Social Club, brimming with poetry, humor, and rhythm, provides an ideal canvas for spontaneous improvisation and genuine expression of emotions. Wiss, Quiñones, and Valdez, alongside several guest performers, extend a heartfelt invitation for you to join them in experiencing and cherishing that singular and enchanting moment together.
