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Brava Theater is proud to present an electrifying night of Afro-Caribbean music with The John Santos Sextet & Friends on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 8:00 PM. This special concert brings together an all-star lineup led by seven-time Grammy-nominated percussionist, Mission district native and cultural historian John Santos, whose artistry and deep-rooted knowledge of Latin music have made him a cornerstone of the Bay Area’s vibrant scene.

Joining Santos on stage will be his powerhouse ensemble—Dr. John Calloway, Marco Díaz, David Flores, Charlie Gurke, Saul Sierra, and John Santos—along with an extraordinary roster of special guests: Orestes Vilató, Anthony Blea, Destani Wolf, Rico Pabón, Christelle Durandy, Pedro Pastrana, Javier Navarrette, Juan Luis Pérez, and Marcel Joao Santos.

Known for their masterful blend of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, jazz, and improvisation, The John Santos Sextet delivers music that is both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly innovative. This one-night-only performance will be a celebration of Latin jazz, Cuban rumba and son, Puerto Rican bomba and plena, and the rich rhythmic tapestry that connects the African diaspora.

About their new album, John Santos writes “As we continue to celebrate over 40 years of independent, Bay Area record production with Machete Records, Horizontes (Horizons) is our newest musical reaffirmation in the power of love to transform the violence of bigotry, slavery, colonialism, berzerk capitalism and war into the as of yet unrealized unity and brotherhood of the human race. Dedicated to, and inspired by all the world’s children.”