ARTISTS:       

Toyota Pops: Poncho Sanchez
Matt Catingub, conductor
DeShannon Higa, trumpet
Poncho Sanchez, congas, percussion and vocals
                Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band
                David Torres, piano
                George Ortiz, timbales
                Joey De León, bongos and percussion
                Tony Banda, bass
                Javier Vergara, saxophones and flute
                Ron Blake, trumpet and flugelhorn
                Francisco Torres, trombone
                                                

CONCERTS:       

Friday, April 24 at 8 p.m. & Saturday, April 25 at 8 p.m.
All concerts take place at Blaisdell Concert Hall
    

TICKETS:   

$20, $34, $49, $59, $82 (including service fees)
Military & seniors receive a 20% discount. Student tickets are $10.
Tickets are sold at Ticketmaster outlets (1-800-745-3000), Macy’s and
www.ticketmaster.com
Monday to Friday: Call the Box Office at (808) 792-2000 (weekdays) or (808) 524-0815 ext. 245 (evenings).
www.honolulusymphony.com

HONOLULU – Latin music legend Poncho Sanchez and the Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band are gearing up to join Maestro Matt Catingub and the Toyota Pops for concerts filled with irresistible rhythms and upbeat songs on Friday, April 24 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 25 at 8 p.m. Concertgoers who enjoy the Latin dance music of popular programs such as ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” will feel right at home in this evening of fun melodies and exciting grooves. Like magic, Sanchez and his band can instantly put a smile on your face with truly entertaining music. Don’t miss the chance to beat those “economic downturn blues” with a sizzling evening of Latin fun!

Grammy-Award-winner Sanchez is a renowned percussionist and conga player who delivers a phenomenal concert experience filled with memorable tunes and a fresh approach to jazz. Renowned in Latin and jazz music circles, Sanchez brings a satisfying and irresistible blend of instantly recognizable songs and buoyant tunes to the Toyota Pops stage for this very first time.

Honolulu’s own DeShannon Higa joins the Toyota Pops to kick-off this evening of enticing, optimistic music.

“DeShannon has emerged as one of Hawaii’s best jazz musicians,” said Catingub. “I first met him some 15 years ago when Jimmy Borges introduced us at a gig and we sat and jammed together. I was impressed then – and I can tell you that I’m thoroughly impressed now at how he has evolved.”

Tickets are on sale now and start from $20. Military and seniors receive an additional 20% off. Call the Box Office at (808) 792-2000 to purchase your tickets today. Mahalo to concert sponsor The Honolulu Club for making this event possible!

About Poncho Sanchez
More than anything else, Poncho Sanchez is a storyteller. As leader of the most popular Latin jazz group in the world today, it’s his congas and seasoned ensemble that do the talking. Live in concert or on recordings, they spin vivacious tales that pay homage to the glories of a half-century tradition that was born when Afro-Cuban rhythms merged with bebop.

Today, Sanchez’s life's story has become a well-known part of Latin jazz lore. He was born in Texas on October 30, 1951 into a large Mexican-American family (rumor has it that his 13-year old mother fled to the U.S. after hiding under the bed as revolutionary Pancho Villa stormed her village), but grew up in the Los Angeles area, where he was weaned on a broad range of Latin and non-Latin popular music.

Inspired by the conga playing of Cuban great Mongo Santamaria, he honed his skills as a percussionist and broke into the limelight at the age of 23 when he joined vibraphonist Cal Tjader’s famed Latin jazz ensemble in 1975. Poncho performed with him until Tjader’s untimely death in 1982. For more information, visit www.ponchosanchez.com.