***TWO SETS: 9PM & 10:15PM***
***$10 (CASH) SUGGESTED DONATION***
***LUNATICO HAS A FULL DINNER AND COCKTAIL MENU SO COME EARLY TO EAT!***

LunÀtico warmly welcomes Manuel Valera’s New Cuban Express to our bandstand with this killer lineup!

Manuel Valera (Piano)
John Ellis (Saxophones)
Hamish Smith (Bass)
Jimmy MacBride (Drums)

Led by Grammy-nominated pianist and composer MANUEL VALERA, The New Cuban Express is an electrifying ensemble that fuses the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Cuban music with the sophistication of modern jazz. Renowned for their bold approach to Afro-Cuban jazz, the band crafts a sound that honors its roots while pushing boundaries with a fresh, contemporary edge. Driven by a commanding rhythm section fueled by dynamic percussion and bass, their music bursts with energy and creativity. Celebrated for their powerful live performances both in the U.S. and abroad, The New Cuban Express continues to make a significant mark on the modern Latin jazz landscape.

About Manuel:

Manuel Valera is a Cuban-born pianist, composer, and bandleader renowned for his innovative fusion of jazz and Latin music. Since establishing himself in New York, Valera has become a prominent figure in the modern jazz scene, collaborating with luminaries such as Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera, Dafnis Prieto, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and Yosvany Terry. He leads the Grammy-nominated ensemble New Cuban Express, a project that blends Cuban rhythms with jazz, funk, and R&B influences. His compositions have garnered several prestigious awards, including the 2019 Guggenheim Fellowship and multiple Chamber Music America New Jazz Works grants.