Seven-time Grammy-nominated percussionist John Santos and his namesake sextet return to Rhythmix Cultural Works (RCW) for an enchanting summer evening of Afro-Latin-inspired music, song and culture.

As one of the premier Afro-Latin jazz groups in the country, the John Santos Sextet’s repertoire consists of original compositions and exciting original arrangements of classic rhythms, styles and songs from Cuba, Puerto Rico and the United States.

On Saturday, July 29, starting at 8 p.m., Santos and his band, including Saul Sierra (bass), Dr. John Calloway (flute, piano, percussion), Melecio Magdaluyo (saxophone, flute, clarinet), Marco Diaz (piano, trumpet) and David Flores (drums), will showcase a tour-de-force of Latin American jazz flavors featuring instrumentation, interpretation and improvisation that will delight audiences of all ages.

“Expect original compositions that support equality and justice, original arrangements of classics from the jazz and Afro-Caribbean canons, renditions of traditional rhythms and forms that honor the ancestors and the rich working-class roots of the music, and some of the Bay Area’s finest instrumentalists and soloists,” Santos said. 

RCW is committed to presenting a roster of performers that reflect the rich heritage and ethnic diversity of the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. The Island Arts Concert series features contemporary interpretations of global musical traditions originating with island cultures. 

In support of this vision, “Celebrating Diversity on the Island” is the theme for the 2017 series, presenting guest artists who are reinventing and preserving the traditions of their respective musical forms, while also pushing the boundaries through distinctive cross-cultural collaborations.

This concert is made possible in part with funding from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the Zellerbach Family Foundation.

RCW is located at 2513 Blanding Ave. Advance tickets range from $15 to $25. All ages are welcome. Learn more at www.rhythmix.org.