LATIN JAZZ
2025
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
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Special thanks to WBGO for supporting local talent!
These performances are made possible thanks to the generous support of NewYork-Presbyterian
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MUSICAL LINEUP.
Saturday, June 21st, 1 - 3pm (rain date July 5th)
Luisito Quintero & 3rd Element All Stars
Known as Luisito Quintero, was born in the populous Caracas, Venezuela neighborhood of San Agustin on August 24, 1967. Quintero, a child music prodigy, hails from a lineage of distinguished musicians and singers. His father, Luis Quintero Sr., a respected percussionist in his native country, tutored and encouraged his son to play timbales at a young age. Quintero's first steps into the professional music arena were performing in the group "The New Generation” playing the bongos and timbales at only eight years old. This group was inspired by his father and his uncles, Carlos “Nene”, Ricardo, y Jesus “Chu” Quintero. At the age of twelve, he played with one of the most popular bands at that time, "El Trabuco Venezolano". A year later he joined world-renowned Salsa singer, Oscar D’León. He remained with D'León for more than a decade until his departure to New York City in 1992.
Quintero quickly integrated into the New York City Latin music and Jazz scene. His reputation as one of the best percussionists garnered him opportunities to perform and record with legendary artists as well as serving as the musical director for some acts.He has participated in over 700 musical productions spanning a variety of music genres and between Grammys and Latin Grammys, Quintero has over 60 Grammy Awards to his credit. His most recent Grammys were in 2019 with Chick Corea & The Spanish Heart Band for the Best Latin Jazz Album and in 2018 with Spanish Harlem Orchestra for the Best Tropical Latin Album.
Saturday, June 28th, 1 - 3pm (rain date July 12th)
Lulada Club New York’s All-Women Salsa Orchestra
Lulada Club, NYC’s premier all-women salsa band, reimagines the classic salsa sound with an empowering twist. Led by two queer, Colombian American women, directors Andrea Chavarro and Katherine Ocampo, band is made up of a talented cohort of female musicians. This powerhouse ensemble blends Salsa, mambo, and Latin Jazz, delivering high-energy performances that captivate audiences with virtuosic musicianship and the bold, vibrant essence of Latin culture. Lulada Club celebrates the rich history of Latin music in New York City while spotlighting the incredible artistry of women in a traditionally male-dominated genre. More than just a performance, the band serves as a cultural statement, fostering pride within the Latino community and inspiring younger generations of female musicians. Lulada Club is a hub for cultural celebration and gender empowerment, offering an inclusive space for artistic expression that resonates with the broader values of community, diversity, and representation.
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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.