Whether lending his chops to studio work in just about any genre under the sun, sitting in with Letterman's or SNL's bands, or touring with the likes of Miles Davis, Chaka Khan, David Bowie and Mariah Carrie, Figueroa has long been a respected mainstay in the music industry. But in recent years the master percussionist has stepped to the forefront, electing to play the role of bandleader over sideman and forming one of the premier Latin jazz groups, Sammy Figueroa and his Latin Jazz Explosion. Which brings us to the Newport, where music lovers in the mood for some Latin jazz well above and beyond the way it was meant to be done can soak up Sally's Tomato, a tribute by Figueroa to the music of Cal Tjader this coming Thursday.
Now, if I could just find someone painting the town red....
Sammy Figueroa plays the Newport Beachside Resort (16701 Collins Avenue) this coming Thursday, July 30 from 9pm -- 1am. No cover and free valet.