Latin Jazz and Art Festival

The Pedrito Martinez Group will headline Casselberry’s Latin Jazz and Art Festival on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Lake Concord Park behind City Hall at 95 Triplet Lake Drive.

Martinez, born in Havana, Cuba and began his music career at the age of 11, is a multiple Grammy-nominated drummer who has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Sting and contributed to more than 100 albums. 

Marsalis said this about Martinez: “Pedrito is a genius. … Working with him has been a relevation to me.”

Just a few years ago, Martinez and legendary guitarist and singer Eric Clapton recorded a newly arranged version of Clapton’s song “My Father’s Eye” for Martinez’s album. They then toured throughout the United States together. 

Martinez’s career as a leader began in 2005 with the formation of his band and self-titled album released in 2013. That album was nominated for a Grammy and was chosen among NPR’s Favorite Albums of the Year and the Boston Globe critics Top Ten Albums of 2013.

Before Martinez hits the stage, Venezuelan singer and cuatro player Juan Carlos Salazar will perform. Salazar has played more than 20 years and has 12 solo albums. He’s performed with Julio Iglesias, Maria Teresa Chacin and Hernan Gamboa, among others. 

Besides the music, there will a be a Latin Art Exhibit at City Hall entitled “Raices” (Roots). This colorful exhibit will feature Florida’s most renowned Latin Artists.