Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest, BAC
Jazz it up! > Restaurants/Clubs > Puerto Rico
By: TravelAndSports.com
Every Wednesday, the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino in Condado hosts “Heineken Wednesday Jazz” in its lobby lounge. The Ramón Vázquez Trio kicks off the evening at 7 pm, followed by a different artist every week. Past performers have been Alex Acuña, Humberto Ramirez, and Luis Marín. Jazz fans enjoy good music played by some of the most gifted musicians from Puerto Rico and abroad.
Latin jazz, traditional jazz, rumba, fusion, jam sessions – anything goes on Sundays at Old San Juan’s Nuyorican Café. It’s where musicians go to hear other musicians. The fun starts with open-mike poetry, and at 10 pm, pianist Rafi Cuña or bassist Alejandro Laboy (they alternate weekly) takes over the stage with a little help from some guest artists.
The elegant lobby lounge of the Ritz-Carlton San Juan Hotel Spa & Casino in Isla Verde presents live music Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Sundays 7 pm-midnight, and Thursdays-Saturdays 8 pm-1 am. In April, soulful saxophonist George Butts will dazzle audiences with tunes from his recent CD, “Breaking Out The Past.” In May, Arvis & The Band will captivate listeners with their renditions of Motown, jazz and billboard hits.
You don’t want to miss the multifaceted musician Edgar Abraham on Thursdays at Casa Borinquen in Old San Juan. Listeners are amazed as the talented Latin Jazz artist alternates between such instruments as violin, saxophone and keyboard. This popular show, which starts at 8 pm, has amassed quite a following over the past two years.
Old San Juan’s The Parrot Club is always packed. It’s possible that it has something to do with the food, but on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings the crowd is there to take in one of Puerto Rico’s most sought-after bassists, Ramón Vázquez. The accomplished musician recently released his first album, “On The Move,” so come see what all the buzz is about.
For the past three years, the series, “Jazzeando en la Plaza” has presented local jazz musicians in the various plazas of the San Juan area. The successful event continues in 2004 with performances by percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo, April 10, 8 pm at Plaza Roosevelt, Hato Rey, followed by sonero (improvising salsa singer) Andy Montañez, May 30, 6 pm at the Plaza de Armas, Old San Juan, and on July 9-10, 8:30 pm, Festival de Jazz Boriquén at Plaza las Luces, Roberto Clemente Stadium.
Art and music complement one another April 30 at Carolina’s Parque Mausoleo Julia de Burgos when the municipality hosts its very popular “Noche de Jazz y Galería.” Now in its third year, the event features art exhibitions and musical performances by locally and internationally known musicians. A performance by the students of the Carolina Escuela de Bellas Artes gets the crowd going at 7 pm. Artisans, food kiosks and starlight add to the charm and uniqueness of this complimentary outdoor event.