Rebecca Micha knows music, and this weekend she enjoyed a fusion of Latino art and jazz.
Micha, owner of the Academy of Music and Art, took a break from teaching vocals and piano Friday to enjoy the Thomas Center’s first show of its Jewel Box Concert series.
“I thought the show was wonderful,” Micha said. “It was very different in terms of the kind of ethnic context of the music and the fact that it was not salsa but real jazz fusion.”
The City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department worked with the Shakerag Culture Center, Inc. to plan “Anima Unveiled: The Self” by Emanuel Torres Perez and bring Elio’s Quartet to the residents of Gainesville, said Russell Etling, the cultural affairs manager of the department.
Etling said the event is part of a 10-year plan to increase arts and culture in Gainesville and Alachua County as a whole.
“We thought it was a great celebration of the Latino roots that make up the population of Gainesville,” he said.
After opening its doors at 5:30 p.m., the Thomas Center displayed Puerto Rican native Emilio Torres Perez’s multimedia paintings and prints.
Two hours later, Elio’s Quartet, led by Elio Piedra, who was born in Havana, Cuba, performed its own form of Afro-Cuban jazz from its new album, “Pathway.”
“I’ve been in Gainesville for about four years and it’s been an amazing time,” he said. “I love Gainesville.”
Piedra started playing the drums when he was 11 years old. He said it was special to play what he calls unique and delightful sounds in his new home.
“I’m inspired to make music that will make people happy, give love to the people and transport them to another place,” Piedra said.
After the event, Etling reflected on plans for the future.
“We will be doing projects that are significant in their scope and audience appeal, that will make our citizenship understand how important arts and culture are to their daily lives,” Etling said. “We celebrate the arts in many ways, and tonight was a triumph in all of those.”
- A Stroke Of Brilliance: A collection of paintings, poetry and literature. Opens March 24 at 5:30 p.m.
- Confluence: A double exhibition featuring Jesse Aaron’s drawings and Lennie Kesl’s sculptures. Opens May 27 at 7 p.m.
- Eve: An exhibit of drawings, paintings and sculptures featuring women as the muse. Opens Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.
