US jazz band to perform in Manila, Cebu March 21, 22

CEBU, Philippines - Duende Quartet, an ensemble devoted to playing Latin jazz, will be in Manila and Cebu next weekend as part of the American Music Abroad Program, The Rhythm Road.

 The Manila concert on Saturday, March 21 will be held at Greenbelt 3, Makati Commercial Center, starting at 8:00 p.m. The group’s performance at SM City Cebu North Wing on Sunday, March 22, will be at 6:00 p.m.  

 While in Cebu, the group will also conduct a master class for selected students at the University of Southern Philippines College of Music. The Cebu Arts Council will host the event. On return to Manila, the band will meet with local jazz artists in an informal jamming session.

 Formed in 2004, Duende Quartet is based in the suburban Maryland area of greater Washington, D.C. The quartet’s repertoire ranges from traditional Cuban songs to arrangements of jazz standards, providing a unique Latin jazz sound in the styles of Mongo Santamaria, Cal Tjader, and Willie Bobo as well as Blue Note Records’ legendary 1960s sound.  

 The band is composed of pianist Harry Appelman, percussionists Mark Merella and Sam “Seguito” Turner, and bass player Josh Schwartzman. The group toured Turkey, Albania, Cyprus, and Bosnia in February 2007 also as part of the U.S. Department of State’s American Music Abroad Program.

 Jazz enthusiasts and the general public are welcome to the free musical performances in Manila on Saturday, March 21 and in Cebu on Sunday, March 22.