The appearance of vocalist & dancer, Omara Portuondo at the 9th Annual Panama Jazz Festival is going to be a special treat. I was not familiar with legendary Cuban singer and dancer until I caught her show a few years ago when she captivated the audience with her performance at Duke University in Durham, NC. She was 82 years of age at the time.
Born in Havana in 1930 her career
spans over 50 years. In 1947 she, and her older sister, Haydee,
began singing for family members, and joined the Loquibambia Swing, a group formed by blind pianist, Frank Emilio Flynn. The two sisters later joined the dance group at the Cabaret Tropicana in 1950.
In 1953 Omara and Haydee joined, Cuarteto d' Aida, formed and directed by Aida Diestro. The group had considerable success touring the US, performing with such luminaries as Nat King Cole.
In 1959 Omara recorded her first solo album, Magia Negra, which involved both Cuban music and Jazz.
Her solo career, begining in 1967, spans more than 40 years with worldwide acclaim and success, including her recordings and performances with the Buena Vista Social Club.
Don't miss her duo with the great Chucho Valdes at the Panama Jazz Festival, Weds, January 18, 2012 at the National Theatre in Panama City.
Born in Havana in 1930 her career
spans over 50 years. In 1947 she, and her older sister, Haydee,
began singing for family members, and joined the Loquibambia Swing, a group formed by blind pianist, Frank Emilio Flynn. The two sisters later joined the dance group at the Cabaret Tropicana in 1950.
In 1953 Omara and Haydee joined, Cuarteto d' Aida, formed and directed by Aida Diestro. The group had considerable success touring the US, performing with such luminaries as Nat King Cole.
In 1959 Omara recorded her first solo album, Magia Negra, which involved both Cuban music and Jazz.
Her solo career, begining in 1967, spans more than 40 years with worldwide acclaim and success, including her recordings and performances with the Buena Vista Social Club.
Don't miss her duo with the great Chucho Valdes at the Panama Jazz Festival, Weds, January 18, 2012 at the National Theatre in Panama City.
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