Gabriel Ayala Jazzmenco Matinee

($15-$25 tickets + DICE fees | 4:30pm show | 16+) Guitarist Gabriel Ayala, a member of the Yaqui people in Southern Arizona, stands out as a pioneering figure in contemporary Native American music. With a Master's Degree in Music Performance from the University of Arizona, he combines teaching and performing. His performances span the United States and abroad, including notable venues like the John F. Kennedy Center and events like President Barack Obama's Inaugural Ball. Ayala has received numerous national and international awards that include Native American Music Awards “Best Instrumental CD”, “Best World Music”, and “Artist of the Year”, the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards “Best International Album”, and Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards “Best Instrumental”.