Ed Fast and Congabop-Supertet With Special Guest Sammy Figueroa

Ed Fast & Conga Bop

• Kris Jensen – flute
• Rick Germanson – piano
• Michael O’Brien – bass
• Jorge Fuentes – percussion
• Ed Fast – vibraphone & percussion
• Percussion superstar Anthony Carrillo – timbales, bongos, & percussion

And our very special featured guest:
The legendary conguero, band leader, and multiple Grammy-nominated musical artist – Sammy Figueroa.

This supergroup will be performing classics by Hilton Ruiz, Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, and more.

Sammy Figueroa is a legendary percussionist, multiple Grammy nominee, world-class musician, educator, and radio personality. After two decades as a New York-based sideman, recording and touring with artists such as Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, David Bowie, Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan, Quincy Jones, the Brecker Brothers, Michel Camillo, Dave Valentin, Tania Maria, and many more, Sammy relocated to South Florida. There, he discovered a vibrant community of virtuosos from Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Puerto Rico, as well as exceptional students and faculty at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and Florida International University.

With the best local talent, Sammy founded The Latin Jazz Explosion. Over five albums, two Grammy nominations, and tours throughout the U.S. and Europe, Sammy solidified the band’s reputation. Sometimes called “the Latin Yellowjackets,” their music fuses the excitement of Latin rhythms with the precision and beauty of artists like Pat Metheny or Brad Mehldau.

Beyond the Explosion, Sammy has created ensembles such as Sammy Figueroa & His Latin Jazz Ensemble and Sally’s Tomato, a tribute to the music of Cal Tjader. He continues to collaborate with other artists, including recording with organ/piano prodigy Matthew Whitaker and contributing to Joey DeFrancesco’s Grammy-nominated album In The Key of the Universe.

In 2020, Sammy recorded “Cuarentena” with trumpeter/composer/arranger John Daversa, Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and Grammy-winning Cuban drummer Dafnis Prieto. He also features on Jarrod Lawson’s neo-soul album “Be the Change.”

Sammy is a passionate advocate for children’s music education, working closely with Miami-based Arts 4 Learning and developing initiatives with Young Musicians Unite.

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