Musicians
Bobby Sanabria & Quarteto Aché
Bobby Sanabria - drummer, percussionist, composer, arranger, recording artist, producer, filmmaker, conductor, educator, multi-cultural warrior and multiple Grammy nominee – has performed with a veritable Who's Who in the world of jazz and Latin music. The son of Puerto Rican parents, Bobby was born and raised in the South Bronx. He then attended Boston's Berklee College of Music from 1975 to 1979, graduating with the prestigious Faculty Association Award for his work. Since his graduation, Bobby has become recognized as one of the most articulate musician-scholars of la tradición living today. He has been featured on numerous Grammy-nominated albums, and even featured with his orchestra in two PBS documentaries.
Bobby has been the recipient of many awards, including an NEA grant as a jazz performer, INTAR Off-Broadway Composer awards, and an "Outstanding Achievement Award" by Ivan Acosta of Latin Jazz USA. Bobby was voted DRUM! Magazine’s 2005 “Percussionist of the Year.” In 2006, Bobby was inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame with a street named after him on the Bronx’s famed Grand Concourse. Bobby has recently been awarded the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award by KOSA and the 2008 Martin Luther King Jr. Mentor Award presented by the Manhattan Country School.
Bobby has been featured as a guest conductor/soloist with bands across the world, including the National All Star Jazz Orchestra of Calgary, Canada, The Nova Scotia All Star Jazz Big Band, the Amsterdam Conservatoire Jazz Orchestra at the North Sea Jazz Festival, and the Dallas Latin Jazz Youth Orchestra. Bobby has written numerous articles in nationally read publications including NY Latino, Highlights In Percussion, The NY Post, Modern Drummer, and Downbeat and has written liner notes for over 30 CD’s.
Yarina
Yarina, which means "remembrance" in the native Kichwa language of the indigenous people of Ecuador, was founded in Ecuador by the Cachimuel brothers. Yarina artfully blends the ancient rhythms of its culture with original compositions that incorporate elements from various western musical styles, with more than 40 different instruments employed by band members. Its dancers, traditionally dressed in multi-layered, brilliantly-colored skirts and hand-embroidered blouses, blend traditional movements and original choreography. Yarina’s repertoire incorporates jazz, blues, Latin, and western classical masterpieces. They will be performing throughout the Poetry Village over the four days of the Festival.