Featured Artist: Anibal Cruz-Cesar Cuban Pianist, Composer, Arranger, and Bandleader.
He started as a classical pianist at the age of 8 years old in his native Cuba. He graduated from the Conservatory Jose White in Camaguey and the University of Arts (ISA) in Havana, where he began his career as a composer. He received a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music, and is currently finishing both performance and composition majors. He has a strong presence around New England, both as a freelance musician and band leader of "The Blue Island Project." As part of his developing career, many names have already set guidelines when sharing the stage. Mexican Composer Armando Manzanero, Bass legend Ruben Rodrigez, Latin Grammy nominees Alain Perez and Berta Rojas, Cuban percussionist Keisel Jimenez, Grammy Winners Paquito de Rivera, Egui Castrillo, and Joe McCarthy. On Tour with Ayodele Casel, DeJan, Los Adolescentes, Yerba Buena’s former singer Cucu Diamantes, Manolo Mairena and Cuban singer Adonis Puentes.
The Blue Island Project showcases original music and arrangements with Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythms, Gospel, and Jazz. This project exposes the audience to various cultural backgrounds, embracing their own diversity through music. This time Anibal will be accompanied by outstanding musicians, Gerson Lazon (Bass), Milena Casado (Trumpet), and Ivanna Cuesta (Drums). They got together during the pandemic Bound by their passion for afro-jazz and Latin roots.
