The Papo Vazquez Masterclass is an educational project of the Philadelphia Clef Club, under the initiative PNC Arts Alive, “Jazz Cultural Voices” performance series.

NEA Master and Grammy® Award nominee, Angel R. “Papo” Vázquez is a jazz trombonist with his own style, arranger, composer, and he is one of the key figures of Latin music.  While still a teenager, he moved to New York City, performing in groups such as Conjunto Libre, in the band of Héctor Lavoe, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri and Willie Colón. Celebrating a career that now spans over four decades, in the jazz world, Papo has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Ray Charles, Slide Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie.

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.

“Through PNC Arts Alive, we continue to help invigorate local arts organizations while bringing new and exciting programs to our community,” said Joe Meterchick, PNC regional president for Philadelphia, Delaware and Southern New Jersey.  “The creativity and collaboration demonstrated by the local arts community is evident in the programs that will be introduced, while enabling new visitors and residents alike to experience a diverse range of exhibits and performances.”

For more information on PNC Arts Alive and the grant recipients visit www.PNCARTSALIVE.com