Grammy-Nominated Pianist Elio Villafranca Brings Afro-Cuban Jazz to Prior-Jollek Hall Saturday

Acclaimed Afro-Cuban jazz pianist Elio Villafranca is set to take the stage Saturday at Prior-Jollek Hall on the Antilles School Campus. Presented by The Forum, the performance will feature a blend of solo piano compositions and a jazz sextet, celebrating the legacy of Cuban classical composer Ernesto Lecuona alongside the innovative sounds of jazz legend Horace Silver.

A Night of Cultural Fusion

Villafranca, a Grammy-nominated Steinway Artist, has been a leading force in Afro-Cuban jazz since arriving in the United States in 1995. Born in Pinar del Río, Cuba, he seamlessly fuses African, European, and Pan-American influences into his music. His performances have earned international acclaim, including a 2010 Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album and a Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik nomination.

Joining Villafranca onstage will be Mark Gross on alto saxophone and clarinet, Alex Norris on trumpet, Edward Perez on bass, St. Thomas’ Dion Parson on drums, and Carlos Maldonado on percussion. The concert promises an evening of vibrant, rhythm-driven storytelling that reflects Villafranca’s deep roots in Afro-Cuban traditions while embracing the improvisational essence of jazz.