LATIN JAZZ
2026
LATIN JAZZ IN THE HEIGHTS.
Community League of the Heights
and Jazz Power Initiative present...
Latin Jazz In The Heights
at Plaza de las Américas, 175th and Broadway
Performances co-produced and curated by Jazz Power Initiative
This performance made possible thanks to the support of NewYork-Presbyterian & New York City Department of Small Business Services
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MUSICAL LINEUP.
Saturday, June 20th, 3pm:
Salsa in the Heights!
Come early for Latin genre dance lessons! with Junior Belone
followed by our featured performance...
Saturday, June 20th, 5pm
Boba’s Latin Jazz Ensemble
Isidro Bobadilla (El Boba), Master Percussionist and Arts Educator
Isidro had his beginnings as a percussionist in the Juventud Alegre group of the San Carlos church parish, later joining the band Sendas.
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Bobadilla worked under well known Dominican musicologist, Professor Fradique Lizardo, in the study of traditional Dominican rhythms, composing music for the ballets Ritos, Redes by Lizardo, José Antonia, and Africa Ingmar Despradel.
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He collaborated with the OAS, the Secretary of State for Fine Arts and Culture of Dominican Republic, and a project with the National Institute of Natural Sciences (INIDEF) for the evaluation of Dominican culture.
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He has led and presented in numerous workshops, talks, and demonstrations about Dominican folk music at universities and various cultural centers such as: the Caribbean Cultural Center of New York City, Lehman College, Hostos Community College, Museum of Natural History, City Lord, and Alianza Dominicana. As a percussion artist he has shared the stage with artists such as Laurie Anderson, José Chalas, Paquito D’Rivera, Frank Ferruchi, Humano Orquesta, Daniel Ponce, Tania María, Jane Ira Bloom, Paul Simon, Michel Camilo, Mario Rivera, Manuel Tejada, Jorge Taveras, Sonia Silvestre, Victor Victor, José Antonio Rodrigues, Maridalia Hernández, Dioni Fernández, Sergio Vargas, Pavel Nuñez, Marel Alemany, Luis Enriques, Irka Mateo, Eliacim, Vicente García; and most auspiciously with Juan Luis Guerra, with whom he continues to work with, and his band 440 Orchestra for the past 20 years.
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He successfully directed the Dominican percussion group CUERO MADERA Y METAL, together with Guarionex Aquino, Jr. and composed soundtracks for the album The Seven Dreams of Meuda San together with Manuel Tejada.
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An active teaching artist in the Tri State area, he has taught percussion at the Washington Heights Community Conservatory in New York, and Alianza Cultural Center.
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He has participated as a musician in various classical and popular music concerts with the Dominican Classical Artists Association Orchestra in New York City. As a champion of Dominican music culture, he has presented at the Dominican Folk Music Percussion workshop in 2021; and as leader of Boba’s Latin Jazz Ensemble, he co-led workshops with Dominican dance artist Elizabeth Crook Morel for Jazz Power Inc.
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In addition to his participation with Juan Luis Guerra’s 440 Orchestra, he is active with various musical groups in the New York City area, and teaches workshops on Afro-Dominican and Latin music in New York City.
Community League of the Heights (CLOTH) is a community-based organization that empowers low-income people of color to break the cycle of poverty in the New York City communities of Washington Heights, Hamilton Heights, and Inwood. We employ a holistic approach that dismantles the economic and social inequities that prevent our community members from living their best lives.
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Jazz Power Initiative (JPI) stands as a beacon of community-driven performing arts and educational excellence. A non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization established in 2003 and nestled in Northern Manhattan, JPI’s reach extends across the vibrant landscape of New York City. Serving a diverse array of individuals annually—students, educators, artists, seniors, and audiences spanning from ages 8 to 80 and beyond—Jazz Power cultivates more creative and inclusive communities. Guided by the unwavering principle, transforming lives through jazz arts education and community performance, the organization looks to enrich lives through jazz, ensuring accessibility to all. JPI’s youth education initiatives blend immersive jazz music and cultural experiences through dynamic in-school and after-school programs, while community concerts ignite Uptown with the infectious rhythms of swing jazz and Latin jazz music.