Internationally acclaimed Canadian soprano saxophonist Jane Bunnett brings her Afro-Cuban sextet Maqueque to The Mainstay in Rock Hall, Maryland on Thursday November 10 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $20. For information and reservations call 410-639-9133. Information is also available at the Mainstay’s website https://www.mainstayrockhall.org.
Saxophonist and flautist Jane Bunnett is known worldwide for her explorations of Afro-Cuban styles and for her creative integrity, improvisational daring and courageous artistry. A multiple Juno Award (presented by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) winner, she has turned her bands and recordings into showcases for the finest musical talent from Canada, the U.S and Cuba. She has also been nominated for Grammy Awards, received an Order of Canada, The Queens Diamond Jubilee medal, and most recently Ontario’s Premiers Award for Excellence.
Bunnett’s continuing quest to seek out and present musical talent untapped and unheard has led her down many roads, and it was during a trip years ago to Havana, Cuba that she discovered then-unknown musicians and formed the all-star ensemble Maqueque (pronounced “Mah-Keh-Keh”, meaning “the energy of a young girl’s spirit.”) Their 2014 self-titled debut CD was awarded a much-deserved Juno Award for Best Group Jazz Album of the Year. Her exploration of Afro-Cuban melodies expresses the universality of music and her ability to embrace and showcase the rhythms and culture of Cuba has been groundbreaking
“Everything I’ve done,” Bunnett says with pride, “has led up to this group, which is the perfect vehicle for now.”
Maqueque, the sextet which includes Bunnett and five extraordinary young women from Cuba, is currently Jane Bunnett on soprano saxophone and flute, Yissy Garcia on drums, Dánae Olano on piano, Magdelys Savigne on batá drums and congas, Elizabeth Rodriguez on violin and vocals and Celia Jiménez on bass.
Their new recording, Oddara, was released in October and features cover art by one of Spain’s most-famous and successful designers, Javier Mariscal. The recording fills the air with intoxicating spirit of joy and electricity.
Live, the group’s shape-shifting enthusiasm is contagious, thrilling audiences in clubs and festivals throughout North America. Their smiling faces and lively attitude radiates their spirit, and speak to their love of performing. Maqueque’s fresh, inventive, no-compromise music has earned the group a standing ovation at the Kennedy Center, a rare encore at the Chicago Jazz Festival, and four sold out nights at Chicago’s legendary Jazz Showcase.
Bunnett and Maqueque kicked off their current US tour at Birdland, the famed New York City jazz club on October 25. They will be playing performing arts centers and festivals in the US until they return to Canada in mid-November.
The Mainstay (Home of Musical Magic) is the friendly informal storefront performing arts center on Rock Hall’s old time Main Street. It is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit dedicated to the arts, serving Rock Hall, MD and the surrounding region. It is committed to presenting local, regional and national level talent, at a reasonable price, in an almost perfect acoustic setting. Wine, beer, sodas and snacks are available at the bar.
The Mainstay is supported by ticket sales, fundraising including donations from friends and audience members and an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.
For information and reservations call the Mainstay at 410-639-9133. More information is also available at the Mainstay’s website https://www.mainstayrockhall.org.
Upcoming Mainstay performances include:
Nov. 12 Karen Somerville with The Bratcher Project
Nov. 14 Mainstay Monday with guest David Sacks, trombone
Nov. 21 Mainstay Monday with guest Sue Matthews, vocals
Nov. 26 The Fred Hughes Trio – “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
Nov. 28 Mainstay Monday with Jeff Davis, guitar, bass and vocals
Dec. 3 The Chris Bergson Band
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