April 18, 2008

Maya Azucena and Her Band to Offer Free Concerts, Workshops
in Manila and Cebu, April 23-25

Maya Azucena and her band, a American ensemble that has won acclaim for its “raw soul” sound and progressive lyrics, will treat the public to a fusion of soul, hip-hop, world and funk music during free, live concerts at the Ayala Center in Cebu at 6 p.m. on April 23, and in Manila at Level 4 of the Trinoma Park at 7 p.m. on April 24, and at Greenbelt Park 3 at 8 p.m. on April 25.

For musically inclined youth, the band will share its talents and skills during half-day workshops at the College of Architecture and Fine Arts of the University of San Carlos in Cebu City on April 23, and at the University of the Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music in Manila on April 25.  Both workshops, which will cover vocals, drums, keyboards and guitar, will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Maya Azucena and her band recently released their second album, “Junkyard Jewel,” to wide acclaim.  Named “Best Alternative Artist of the Year” by Allhiphop.com and nominated by soultracks.com as “Best Female Vocalist of the Year,” Maya sees her music as a voice of and for the people.  Maya has toured the US and Europe, and has shared the stage with such legendary artists as Roberta Flack, Lupe Fiasco and John Legend.  She won two Croatian GRAMMY awards for her collaboration with superstar Gibonni earlier this year.

On the band’s drums is Ivan Katz, a Manhattan native who has been playing drums for 20 years.  Specializing in soul, hip-hop, reggae and dance beats, Katz has shared the stage with superstars like Toots Hibbert, Sugar Minnot and Citizen Cope.

Bruce Mack, who plays keyboards, has been committed to music education for children, and specializes in R & B, funk, jazz, experimental music and hip-hop.  He has performed with such talents such as Dean Bowmen, me’shell NgegeOcello and Brian Hardgrove.

On guitar is Christian Halen, a Chicago native who has been on the New York music scene for more than six years as guitarist, songwriter and producer.  He has performed in all major venues in the city and has toured in the US and Europe. With the group “The Rooftop,” Ver Halen released the critically acclaimed album “A Live Shot” in 2006.  All of the album’s proceeds were donated to help musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Maya Azucena and her band are touring Burma, China, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka for The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad, a program of Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.  Please visit www.jalc.org/TheRoad for more information on the program, and www.jalc.org/jazzcast/program.asp?programNumber=205 to listen to featured music.