Chucho Valdes, Cuba's foremost pianist, has developed a brand new repertoire. Boasting a new lineup for his band, The Afro-Cuban Messengers, his new album takes listeners through an eclectic range of pieces. Alongside new sources of inspiration — the music of the North American Indians and of the Arab-Andalusian culture — the album is infused with the verve of Valdes' early trailblazing Cuban Jazz ensemble Irakere, his nostalgia for Cuban big bands, the punch of hard bop, the magical rhythms of the Yoruba drums and spiritual lyricism.

This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. Free tickets are available (four per person over age 16 while they last) at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. If tickets remain after 1 p.m., the box office will re-open one hour before showtime to distribute the remaining tickets. Free open seating on the hill is always available.