PNC Arts Alive presents Jazz Cultural Voices.  The Philadelphia Clef of Jazz & Performing Arts has received this very prestigious grant award.  Just over 30 organizations in the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region were selected for bold thinking around increasing arts access and engagement and Jazz Cultural Voices was one.

The Lopez / Perez Mambo Big Band keeps the music of the New York Palladium era alive and is known as the home of the Mambo.  The band was formed by Jimmy Lopez and Tony Perez.  The band features the great vocal work of Tony Perez and is conducted by Jimmy Lopez. Friends and band mates for close to 40 years, Jimmy & Tony have always loved this music from a early age. This music was passed down from their parents in the 1950’s and 60’s.  The band performs the music of the Big 3; Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, and Machito. The 21 piece Mambo Big Band is dedicated to preserve the arrangements, dance, and styles of this era. Every member has dedicated hundreds of hours in rehearsals and recordings to make this project the best it could be.

The fusion of Latin and Jazz, a Latin percussion foundation, the Mambo Big Band has recreated the sound of the great orchestras of the era.  Maestro Flaco and his dance troupe demonstrate dances which include the Mambo, the Cha Cha, the Bolero, the Rumba and Merengue.