Experience an intimate evening at the intersection of jazz and Latin American music traditions with percussion faculty Omar Ledezma Jr and Azesu. Combining Peruvian, Cuban and Venezuelan rhythms with contemporary American jazz, Azesu is a dynamic Bay Area ensemble featuring Grammy-winning musicians. Founded by legendary timbalero Orestes Vilató (Fania All Stars, Santana) with Omar Ledezma Jr, David Pinto, Jonathan Alford, Maria Marquez and Sheldon Brown. The collective is currently working on Legacy, a new album honoring the ensembles’ musical heritage, now in final stages of production.
Featured Musicians:
Sheldon Brown, winds
Zahra Rothschild, voice (CMC Faculty)
Jonathan Alford, piano
David Pinto, bass
Freddie Miranda Jr., percussion
Orestes Vilato, percussion
Thursday, July 23 at 7pm
CMC Concert Hall
FREE (RSVP here)
About the Shenson Faculty Concert Series
The Shenson Faculty Concert Series returns this summer with inspiring concerts spotlighting CMC talented faculty members. Each year, the Shenson Foundation sponsors free community concerts for CMC faculty music projects to support CMC Faculty as performing artists and ensure their work on stage is shared and celebrated beyond the classroom and out in our community.
This year’s presenters will highlight a wide variety of musical styles, techniques, and creative inspirations, including original compositions, hidden gems, and traditions from around the globe—using music as a tool for exploring culture, identity, history, and artistic experimentation. Collaborators and guest artists also feature fellow CMC faculty and alumni!
Meet this summer’s talented faculty performers:
- June 25 – Marcus Shelby | A Tribute to John Lewis & Modern Jazz Quartet
- July 23 – Omar Ledezma Jr | Azesu: Music of the Americas
- August 6 – Angie Zheng | Text(ures): Music for Viola and Strings
- August 13 – Jon Jang | Jang Journeys: The Music of Jon Jang in the Making of Asian America
About the Performers:
Omar Ledezma Jr. Diploma, Performance, Berklee College of Music 2003. BS, Law School, Santa Maria University, Caracas, Venezuela 1995. ORFF Music Specialist 2018. Grammy winning performer, teacher and world class musician. Toured with renowned artist in UK, Europe, the Caribbean and South America. Has participated in more than 40 recordings, CDs, DVDs and books. omarledezmajr.com
Azesu is presented in partnership with InterMusic SF (@intermusicsf) as part of their Listen Local series. Azesu’s newest album recording, Legacy (coming in summer/fall 2026), is made possible in part through the Musical Grant Program, administered by InterMusic SF, and supported by the Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.