Latin jazz at the Lycian Pavilion

SUGARLOAF — His name might not be a household name, but to those in the know, Latin-jazz star Chembo Corniel is fast becoming a legend. The conga player has some of the fastest hands in the business, and his ability to propel an ensemble is exhilarating. Chembo Corniel and Grupo Chaworo will make their first appearance at the Lycian Performing Arts Center’s Pavilion at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 8. A dance floor will be available. Corniel, born and raised in New York City, developed an early affinity to Latin percussion. His teachers included Tommy Lopez, “Little Ray” Romero, and Louie Bauza. He also studied with Cuba’s Chu Chu Valdes. Corniel is a faculty member, along with trumpet virtuosos Ray Vega and Jon Faddis, and bassist Todd Coolman, in the jazz department at State University of New York at Purchase. A few years ago, Warner Brothers released his DVD, “An Introduction To Hand Percussion,” and he has appeared regularly on Nickelodeon and “The Bill Cosby Show.” Drummer Vince Cherico was for many years the anchor in the late Ray Barretto’s band, with reedman Ivan Renta, bassist Carlo De Rosa, and pianist Enrique Haneine. For more information, visit www.chembocorniel.com. The event is sponsored by Sugarloaf Music Series, an all-jazz presenting arts organization, and made possible in part from funding by the New York State Council on the Arts, Newman’s Own, Provident Savings Bank, Orange & Rockland Utilities, Jazz Promo Services, Orange Tourism, and The Puffin Foundation. Tickets are $20, and refreshments will be available. For reservations, call 986-6463.