Tito Puente Celebration

Fans of Latin jazz, mark your calendars for the Manhattan School of Music's two-day tribute to Tito Puente, "El Rey" (The King) of timbales. On Sunday, November 2nd, MSM will host a 2:00 pm panel discussion, "Inside Tito Puente - An American Master," in its Miller Recital Hall. Bobby Sanabria, Joe Conzo Sr., Ray Santos, and René Lopez, who have each worked closely with Puente, will discuss the life and work of the great percussionist and bandleader, and feature rare film footage and recordings.

The following day, November 3rd, at 7:30 pm, the school's Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Sanabria, will present "Tito Puente - Masterworks," in the John C. Borden Auditorium. The concert will showcase rare pieces as well as some of Puente's most famous works. Both events are free, but require tickets.

For recordings and artist profiles of Puente and other Latin jazz masters, check out my list of Five Legends of Latin Jazz.

Image Courtesy of Frank Micelotta / Getty Images