Chucho Valdés, Paquito D’Rivera & Arturo Sandoval

With a career spanning over 60 years, Cuban pianist, composer, and bandleader Chucho Valdés has cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in modern Afro-Cuban jazz. Hailed as “a pianist of imperial command, possessed of a dazzling, deceptively casual virtuosity” (New York Times), Valdés is a seven-time GRAMMY® and six-time Latin GRAMMY® winner, honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in 2018.

This summer, Valdés returns to Ravinia with Irakere 50, celebrating the groundbreaking small big-band he founded in 1973 and led until 2005. Fusing Afro-Cuban ritual music, Cuban popular music, jazz, rock, and classical elements, Irakere forever transformed Latin jazz. Alongside Valdés for this milestone event are two legendary musicians in their own right and former band members—saxophonist and clarinetist Paquito D’Rivera and trumpeter and composer Arturo Sandoval.

Joining the celebration is special guest Emilio Frías, known as “El Niño,” performing alongside his orchestra El Niño y la Verdad. Founded in 2013 with musical director Wilfredo Naranjo "Pachy Jr.,” the orchestra stays true to authentic Cuban roots while incorporating contemporary harmonies, drawing influences from generations of Cuban musicians. With lively arrangements by Pachy and guitarist Dayron Ortega, the El Niño y la Verdad promises an infectious energy that will have audiences singing along long after the concert’s end!

Be sure to bring your dancing shoes for a free pre-concert group dance lesson, then dance the night away on the open dance floor on the Lawn!