Latin jazz fest dedicated to the late Ray Barretto

Barretto’s son to perform as guest artist Sugar Loaf — Two high-powered Latin jazz artists will be performing next month at the pavilion of the Lycian Centre for the Performing Arts in Sugar Loaf. Ray Vega and his All Star Quintet and Bobby Sanabria and his group, ¡Quarteto Aché!, both from the Bronx will perform with Sanabria’s guest artist, alto saxophonist Chris Barretto. The Sugar Loaf Music Jazz Series is dedicated this year to Barretto’s late father, Ray Barretto, who mastered the congas performing in the Bronx as an aspiring artist. Ray Vega and Bobby Sanabria have both performed or recorded extensively with the late maestro. Vega is one of the most sought after Latin jazz trumpet stars today. Shortly after his appearance in Sugar Loaf, he will leave for Burlington, Vermont, where for the past few years he has been artist-in-resident at the Flynn Theatre. A native of the South Bronx, he has not only been a featured trumpet star with Ray Barretto, but has also been a longtime sideman with Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Mario Bauza, Hector Lavoe, Johnny Pacheco, and Louie Ramirez. He has recorded extensively as a leader. Presently, he is on the faculty of the State University of New York at Purchase along with other jazz luminaries such as Jon Faddis and Todd Coolman. He was also the cornerstone to the Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Afro-Caribbean Orchestra for many years. Drummer Bobby Sanabria has worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Paquito D’Rivera, Mongo Santamaria, Ray Barretto, Chico O’Farrell, Candido, and Mario Bauza. Also a native of the South Bronx, Sanabria attended the Berkley School of Music. He has been featured in the movie “The Mambo Kings,” “The Bill Cosby Show,” several PBS specials on the history of Latin jazz, and the CBS documentary “Rivkin: Bounty Hunter.” He has been nominated for several Grammy Awards. Sanabria has held the chair of Afro-Cuban Jazz Resources for the International Association of Jazz Educators and presently heads the Latin-Jazz Big Band at the Manhattan School of Music. Chris Barretto, son of the late Ray Barretto, was raised in Warwick, where he began his study of alto sax and piano. He has studied with many renowned jazz artists including reedman Dick Oates and Bobby Sanabria. He has toured with his father in Europe as part of his band, New World Spirit, and he makes his first record appearance on his father’s last recording for the respected Zoho Record label. This festival is being hosted by Sugarloaf Music, and is made possible in part through funding from The National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, Target Stores, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Newman’s Own, Provident Savings Bank, Jazz Promo Services, Orange Tourism, The Puffin Foundation. Ray Vega performs on Friday, June 2, at 8 p.m.; and Bobby Sanabria, featuring Chris Barretto, performs on Saturday, June 3, also at 8 p.m. Snacks and beverages will be available. Tickets are $30 for both events; $20 for individual performances. Reservations may be made by calling 986-6463. Sugarloaf Music’s website is: www.sugarloafmusic.org.