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.
Pedrito plays Drom in the East Village on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 8pm (7pm doors). Tickets $25.
Pedrito is back at Drom on Friday, August 27.
Pedrito Martinez is Real Cuban Rumba
Pedrito’s rumba is real Cuban rumba, the sound of Matanzas. 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 plays. He’s a very good singer and dancer too.
Recent New York Shows
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 ~ Pedrito returns to the live New York stage at Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village at 7:30pm. Doors at 6pm. Tickets from $30
Thursday, March 19 & 26, 2020 ~ Pedrito plays Ginny’s Supper Club at the Red Rooster in Harlem, NYC at 7 and 9pm. From $15
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
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.
Friday, January 10, 2020 ~ Pedrito plays Rockwood Music Hall in the Lower East Side at 9:30pm. From $18
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
Pedrito plays a free concert at the Bronx Museum for Carnegie Hall Citywide on Friday, October 5, 2018.
Pedrito plays Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Saturday – Sunday, January 13 – 14, 2018 at 7:30 & 9:30 pm.
Pedrito plays a duo with Cuban Jazz pianist Alfredo Rodriguez at Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Thursday – Friday, January 11 – 12, 2018 at 7:30 & 9:30 pm.
Pedrito joins the all-star ensemble Nuevo Jazz Latino in The Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center Friday-Saturday, November 3-4, 2017.
Pedrito plays a free concert at the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center on February 24, 2017.
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
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.
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
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
Acertijos
“Riddles” tells Pedrito’s story figuring out life as an artist in New York and Cuba. Drumming is sacred. In this album, Pedrito is more open about his spiritual life in the Yoruba traditions.
The great mysteries are often taught in riddles. You have to find the answer yourself. Afro-Caribbean traditions are also often presented in code. If you know, then you know. How cool. If you don’t, it’s just a pretty song. That’s cool too.
Pedrito’s music brings together Yoruba Africa, Cuban rumba, New Orleans jazz and Cuban timba (the island Cuban dance music). Acertijos plays with the forces of nature, and that is something everyone can understand.
Habana Dreams
The Pedrito Martinez Group released their second album Habana Dreams (Motema Music) in the Spring of 2016.
Pedrito Martinez
The band’s first self-titled album was widely recognized and nominated for a “Best Latin Jazz Album” Grammy.
For more information, visit www.pedritomartinezmusic.com
Ashé