Pedrito Martinez is the world's best Cuban rumba percussionist

Pedrito Martinez is a Grammy-nominated percussionist and singer who is the world’s first-call Cuban rumbero. When you want a Cuban party, a real Cuban party with the ancestors and drumming, singing, and dancing, you call Pedrito. He is a real force of nature and something you should experience at least once in your New York life.

When Pedrito is in town, he plays Ginny’s Supper Club on Thursday nights.

Ginny’s

Thursday, March 19 & 26, 2020 ~ Pedrito plays Ginny’s Supper Club at the Red Rooster in Harlem, NYC at 7 and 9pm. From $15

Pedrito’s Rumba is Real

Pedrito’s rumba is real Cuban rumba. It’s not the rumba of the Palladium Ballroom (1946-1966) or ballroom dancing. Cuban rumba is one of the roots of salsa, but it is distinct.

When you listen to Pedrito, you will notice right away. Most of us haven’t heard anything like this. He is likely to stir something deep inside you, perhaps something you didn’t even know you had. After all, the entire human race is from Africa and regardless of the language we speak, everybody understands the drum.

You can’t sit still when Pedrito drums. He’s a very good singer and dancer too.

Recent Shows

Jazz at Lincoln Center with Herlin Riley

February 21-22, 2020 ~ Pedrito joins Herlin Riley Presents: Sounds of Cuba and New Orleans in the Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center at 7pm & 9:30pm. $105

New Orleans is a Caribbean city with Caribbean culture.

House of Yes

Wednesday, January 22, 2020 ~ Martínez plays the House of Yes in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Doors 7pm. $15

House of Yes if one of the few wild places left in New York City. ¿Presente? Let’s put the Latin world in the House – of Yes.

Rockwood Music Hall

Friday, January 10, 2020 ~ Pedrito plays Rockwood Music Hall in the Lower East Side at 9:30pm. From $18

92nd Street Y

Friday, November 15, 2019 ~ Pedrito plays Kaufmann Concert Hall at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan’s Upper East Side (just south of El Barrio, East Harlem) at 7:30pm. From $31.50

Alfredo Rodriguez & Pedrito Martinez Duo

Thu, February 28, 2019 ~ Pedrito joins the Cuban pianist to play their album ‘Duologue’ at the Jazz Standard in NoMad, Manhattan, Thursday-Sunday, February 28 – March 3, 2019 at 7:30 & 9:30pm. $30

Bronx Museum

Pedrito plays a free concert at the Bronx Museum for Carnegie Hall Citywide on Friday, October 5, 2018.

B.B. King Blues Club

The Group plays B.B. King Blues Club in Midtown, Manhattan Thursday, March 1, 8, 22, & 29, 2018 at 7:30 pm. $15

Dizzy’s Club

Pedrito plays Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Saturday – Sunday, January 13 – 14, 2018 at 7:30 & 9:30 pm.

Pedrito & Alfredo Rodriguez

Pedrito plays a duo with Cuban Jazz pianist Alfredo Rodriguez at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Thursday – Friday, January 11 – 12, 2018 at 7:30 & 9:30 pm.

Nuevo Jazz Latino

Pedrito joins the all-star ensemble Nuevo Jazz Latino in The Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center Friday-Saturday, November 3-4, 2017.

David Rubenstein Atrium

Pedrito plays a free concert at the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center on February 24, 2017.

Alfredo Rodriguez Pedrito Martinez Duo

Pedrito joins Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodriguez at the Jazz Standard February 9-10, 2017.

With Carlos Henriquez

Pedrito joins Carlos Henriquez for “The Latin Side of Dizzy” in the Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center on January 27-28, 2017 with shows at 7 & 9:30 pm

Habana Dreams

Salsa singer Isaac Delgado (from NG La Banda) joined the band for the “Habana Dreams” pre-release concert at Symphony Space on May 8, 2016.

Carnegie Hall

The Pedrito Martinez Group played Carnegie Hall on Friday, February 19, 2016. It was an amazing show. Pedrito invited people to dance with him on stage. Security didn’t like it, but dancing on stage at Carnegie Hall was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Liner Notes

Subrosa Residency

Pedrito was Subrosa’s artist-in-residence from its opening in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District until the nightclub closed in May 2017.

Pedrito Martinez is the Rumba

Pedrito was born in Havana, Cuba September 12, 1973. He began singing and drumming as a child. Pedrito came to New York City in 1998. Since then, he has played with a pantheon of Latin, Jazz, and Pop stars, was a co-founder of Grammy-nominated Latin fusion band Yerba Buena, and played in several movies including the seminal Latin jazz film “Calle 54.”

A Cuban party can be just for fun, or it can be a more serious spiritual moment. Pedrito can take you both places.

The Pedrito Martinez Group turned a house gig at a Cuban restaurant in Manhattan into a regular stop for the pop music royalty from around the world.

Pedrito Martinez Albums