Free Masterclass with Pedrito Martinez

Masterclass: Pedrito Martinez

Charleston Jazz Academy

FREE – Open To All

It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to delve into the inner workings of jazz with legends like Pedrito Martinez. An esteemed leader in his craft, he is one of the most sought-after percussionists in the world. Whether you are a musician looking to glean insight and new skills, or a die-hard jazz fan who wants an up-close window into the life of one of the most respected players in the global scene, this one-day-only masterclass is for you. Bring your burning questions and your autograph pens!

“Pedrito is a genius…working with him has been a revelation to me.”
–Wynton Marsalis

“The Pedrito Martinez Group is the real thing. They had the club JUMPING! It made me feel like a teenager!”
–Quincy Jones

Pedro Pablo “Pedrito” Martinez was born in Havana, Cuba, on September 12, 1973, in the Cayo Hueso neighborhood of Old Havana, and began his musical career at the age of 11. Since settling in New York City in the fall of 1998, Pedrito has recorded and/or performed with Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Paquito D’Rivera, Chucho Valdés, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Palmieri, Dave Matthews, Jackson Browne, Elton John, James Taylor, and Sting, and has contributed to well over 100 albums. A consummate master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and the batá drum he is also the world’s first-call rumbero—playing, singing, and dancing with dozens of Cuban rumba groups and contributing to, or appearing in, several important films, including Calle 54 (2000) and Chico and Rita (2010).

This event is presented in partnership with Spoleto Festival USA

Watch this clip from Pedrito Martinez’s Tiny Desk Concert!