Musical institutions in South Florida are hard to come by. Beastly summers, disparate geography, and a rapidly shifting population mean that anything that can stick around for more than a couple of years is a gem. Take South Florida Jazz, which gets public and private funding to keep a wealth of cutting-edge artists flowing through the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center in Fort Lauderdale. November 19 marks the start of the organization's 20th season.
On that night, a performance by Grammy-winning Cuban alto saxophonist, clarinetist, and soprano saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera will ring in two decades of jazz. The colorful character known for making wild faces, having an impeccable wardrobe, and playing in an inventive style deeply rooted in Afro-Cuban influences -- as well as classical ones -- will bring his touring quintet to set the tone for a night of celebration.
Look no further than this amped-up solo to observe D'Rivera's prowess:
The rest of the 2011-12 South Florida Jazz season has been announced as well.
November 19, 2011 South Florida JAZZ 20th Anniversary Celebration and Concert
PAQUITO D'RIVERA QUINTET
January 14, 2012
BOB MINTZER AND THE CANYON COVE BAND
featuring Larry Goldings and Peter Erskine
February 11, 2012
JACKY TERRASSON TRIO
March 10, 2012
ANTONIO ADOLFO-CAROL SABOYA GROUP
April 14, 2012
MATT WILSON and ARTS & CRAFTS
May 12, 2012
DAVID SANCHEZ QUARTET
featuring Antonio Sanchez with Special Guest Stefon Harris
June 9, 2012
THE BAD PLUS
South Florida Jazz 20th Anniversary Celebration. With Paquito D'Rivera and Dave LEBO Le Batard. 8 p.m. Saturday, November 19, at Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $20 to $150. Click here.
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