BRATTLEBORO — The 19-piece Latin big band Creación will be bringing its sound to the Vermont Jazz Center on Cotton Mill Hill on Friday, Feb. 17, at 8 p.m.
Founded by composer/pianist Joe Velez, the band not only plays the popular music made famous by greats like Tito Puente and Beny Moré, but also features original compositions written by Velez especially for the band.
A New York City native and current Springfield, Mass. resident, Velez has performed with a number of musical groups.
The Creación Latin Big Band will feature the vocals of Ray Cruz, who has collaborated with Velez in the New England region for the last 30 years.
The musicians in the band are seasoned professionals who hail from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont.
Trombonist “Mondango” Jim Messbauer anchors the trombone section, along with Joe Sabol, Mark Turcotte, and Dan DeWalt. The saxophone section consists of Jon Weeks, Adam Scotera, Rob Smith, Ed Mari, and Cliff White.
Trumpets feature Dave Bileado, Charlie Schneeweis, John Jones, and Judd Peskin. The rhythm section features Ray Natar on congas, Anthony Perez on percussion/bongos, Jeff Nissenbaum on the drum kit, and Carl Oman on bass.
Organizers describe Creación as combining “Cruz's vocals, vibrant coros floating over montunos, and burning instrumental solos.”
The Vermont Jazz Center has seating and a dance floor.
Tickets are $10 at the door. Contact Dan DeWalt for more information.