Jane Bunnett and the Spirits of Havana – Radio Guantanamo, Sunday, February 18, 8 p.m.
Margaret Greenham Theatre, The Banff Centre
Adult $25, Student/Senior/Child $22, Playbill special $20
Banff Centre Box Office: 1-800-413-8368 or 762-6301
Presented as part of the winter/spring 2007 Playbill Series
Where Cuban music and jazz come together, Toronto soprano saxophonist, flutist, and bandleader Jane Bunnett continues to push boundaries and explore uncharted territory. Through her groundbreaking exploration of Afro-Cuban melodies Bunnett showcases some of the finest international musical talents. Her most recent CD, Radio Guantanamo, pays tribute to the blues sounds and heritage of Cuba and New Orleans. Jane Bunnett and her band, the Spirits of Havana, will play The Banff Centre’s Margaret Greenham Theatre, Sunday, February 18.
A vacation to Cuba in 1982 with her husband, trumpeter Larry Cramer, spurred Bunnett to build a career around the study of Cuba’s rich musical tradition. She embraced the rhythms and culture of the country, and has become well-respected for her creative integrity, improvisational daring, and courageous artistry. A regular at jazz festivals around the world, Bunnett is a Juno Award winner, has multiple Grammy and Juno nominations, and was recently honoured with an appointment to the Order of Canada.
Bunnett’s latest release, Radio Guantanamo is a tribute to the blues. The album merges Changui, the oldest form of Cuban blues music, from the province of Guantanamo, and the heritage and history of the New Orleans blues sound. A celebration of sounds, the album brings together musicians with diverse musical backgrounds from Canada, the United States, and Cuba, including core Spirits of Havana musicians David Virelles (piano), Larry Cramer (trumpet), Kieran Overs (acoustic bass), Ethan Ardelli (drums), and Jalidan Luis Castro (congas). A sure hit with Bunnett’s core audience, Radio Guantanamo is also winning fans of world music and the blues.
The Banff Centre’s winter/spring 2007 Playbill Series continues with Ailey II (February 23), Mae Moore and Lester Quitzau (February 25), Willie and Lobo (March 1), and Gwynne Dyer (March 9).
Tickets for all Banff Centre events are available through The Banff Centre Box Office: 1-800-413-8368 or 403-762-6301.
For a high resolution, downloadable photo of Jane Bunnett and the Spirits of Havana
http://www.banffcentre.ca/media_room/images/playbill/#lunch
For more information on the winter/spring 2007 Playbill Series:
http://www.banffcentre.ca/events/playbill/
