"It’s not just the rhythmic potency of Venezuelan music that stands out here...it's Vielma's indebtedness to the wider jazz tradition that is striking." - All About Jazz

Fran Vielma & the Venezuelan Jazz Collective
Concert/Lecture
Presentations addressing history, culture and music have been a hit since the inception of the Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival. On November 2, the Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library will host a concert/lecture led by award winning percussionist and distinguished educator Fran Vielma. Born in Venezuela, Fran Vielma's training began in El Sistema, continued at the prestigious Berklee College of Music and culminated with a master’s degree from the New England Conservatory of Music. In a program titled "Afro-Diasporic Music Traditions in Jazz," the group will demonstrate the enormous and foundational contributions of African cultures to the jazz music we enjoy today.

Vielma's ensemble will share music traditions from a variety of Latin American countries as they pair enlightening narrative with colorful rhythms such as Venezuelan Merengue, Colombo-Venezuelan Joropo, Cuban Danzón, Caribbean Souk and Beguine. The program will appeal to anyone who loves music. If you are already familiar with these sounds, you'll appreciate Vielma's musicality and insights and can share your own knowledge in the discussion period afterward. If you are new to these rhythms, you'll enjoy being introduced to intriguing sounds from masterful musicians.The program is best suited to adults and students from Middle School to college age.

Information and tickets: https://www.annapolisjazzandrootsfestival.com