1/31/2023- Dranoff2 Piano Foundation presents West African Beats, an annual concert celebrating the soul of high art and music that was brought to the Americas, along with the steel drum, as expressed by Leon Foster Thomas’ internationally acclaimed Jazz ensemble. West African Beats is a contemporary inspiration of this exciting and important music and will be embodied and interpreted by fellow Trinidadian, choreographer Peter London, whose eclectic dance company calls Miami home.
From London to Jazz at Lincoln Center, Leon Foster Thomas, one of the leading Trinidadian Jazz band maestros and steel pan superstar, will bring the house down with exciting performances of new works on steel pan, 2 pianos, and Jazz band to coincide with the world premiere of his album “Calasantius” at The Rhythm Foundation’s Miami Beach Bandshell.
Pre-concert talk at 7PM brings together Leon Foster Thomas, Peter London, and musicologist of the African diaspora Melvin Butler, for a discussion of the influence of West African song and dance on contemporary music and the spirit of the Caribbean heritage in Jazz.
West African Beats series was originated by Dranoff 2 Piano with the support of the Funding Arts Network’s AWARE grant in celebration of FAN’s 25th year of philanthropy in Miami and created by Dranoff 2 Piano’s Artistic Director, Martin Bejerano.
Tickets are available online at www.Dranoff2Piano.org
