March 23, 2004

Legendary Musician Alfredo de la Fé Adds Latin Flare to Cuban Dance Party at MASS MoCA April 23

(North Adams, Mass.) Whether improvising solos on his electric violin, fronting his full band or bringing the spice of Cuban culture to small New England towns, Alfredo de la Fé delivers explosive, critically acclaimed performances with upbeat tempos and salsa-inspired rhythms. Latin Beat Magazine raves: “The voice of Alfredo de la Fé’s violin is unique; loud, funky…with…incredible chops and melodic definition.” This violin prodigy and his band come to MASS MoCA for a Cuban Dance Party co-presented with the Williamstown Jazz Festival, on Friday April 23rd at 8pm.

Cuban music has a rich heritage of cross-cultural influence, primarily shaped by Spanish and African traditions. The contemporary Latin music scene has drawn heavily from modern rock and jazz, but still incorporates more conventional styles such as mambo, descarga (the Cuban equivalent of a jam session, literally meaning “to unload”), cha-cha-chá, and romantic bolero. Traditional music is centered around rhythm, and movement and dance are often seen as a necessary component to music.

New York-based Alfredo de la Fé began playing violin as a young virtuoso at the age of seven, his skill winning him scholarships in conservatories from Warsaw to New York. His style over the years has evolved to incorporate the influences of salsa and traditional charanga music, capturing elements of classical, jazz, groove, and Latin pop. One of the founding members of Carlos Santana’s band and nominated for several Grammy awards, de la Fé’s violin has captured suspense on the soundtracks of films like The Shining and he has played with some of Latin and jazz music’s greatest musicians, such as Dizzie Gillespie, legendary flutist José Fajardo, and Eddie Palmieri. De la Fé has graced the stages of jazz festivals worldwide and toured extensively through Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America.

Tickets for Cuban Dance Party with Alfredo de la Fé are $12 for adults, $9 for students, and $6 for kids. MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams from 11 A.M. until 5 P.M. (closed Tuesdays). Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased anytime at www.massmoca.org. A free post-concert jam will take place at Joga, located on 23 Eagle Street, North Adams, MA (413.664.0126).

MASS MoCA’s Dance Party series is sponsored by The Valley Advocate.

The Williamstown Jazz Festival, from April 20th to April 29th, is a co-presentation of the Williams College departments of Music and Dance, MASS MoCA, and the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce. The Festival will feature live performance, film, lectures, and dance lessons for kids and adults to both educate and entertain. Performers will include the Avery Sharpe Trio, gospel singers James Williams and the Intensive Care Unit, and a Saturday night performance by the Benny Green/Russell Malone duo at Chapin Hall. For more information, visit www.williamstownjazz.com. Funding for the Williamstown Jazz Festival is provided in part by the Massachusetts Arts Council, the Berkshire Bank, Jazz Appreciation Month, the New England Jazz Alliance, and the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute.

MASS MoCA, the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in the United States, is located off Marshall St. in North Adams on a 13-acre campus of renovated 19th-century factory buildings.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Katherine Myers
(413) 664-4481 x8113
katherine@massmoca.org