Jon Garcia & CLAVE Afro-Rican Jazz Ensemble On The Patio... Everyone Salsa!
About this Event
Doors open at 6:00pm. Try to be seated by 6:30pm to have your dinner order taken. Showtime begins at 7:00pm when we transform the space into a theater.
Out of respect for the performers and other patrons, please keep talking to a whisper during the performance.
Very Limited Occupancy. Tables seating 2, 4, 5 guests, with tables for 6, 8, 12 available upon request. Single, general admission tickets are also available. See The Attached Seating Chart. Admission Is $15.00 - $25.00 Per Person, Ticket prices may be higher for special performances. Having problems with the ticketing system? Call 203-247-4273
Parking: Please park in LaZingara's lot or on Greenwood Ave. or School Street. Please avoid parking in P.T. Barnum Square.
Teaser: Check out the band:
Want to get your Latin Dance on? Don't miss this rare performance of Trumpeter Jon Garcia 's CLAVE Afro-Rican Jazz Ensemble.
CLAVE Afro-Rican Jazz Ensemble, led by trumpeter and vocalist Jon Garcia, is a dynamic Latin jazz ensemble that seamlessly blends Afro-Caribbean rhythmic traditions with the expressive language of contemporary jazz. Rooted in bomba, plena, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and salsa, the group draws upon the rich musical heritage of the Caribbean while embracing modern improvisation and innovation.
At the core of the ensemble’s sound is the clave—a foundational rhythmic pattern that not only inspires the group’s name but also anchors its musical identity. Through this lens, CLAVE creates performances that are both deeply authentic and forward-thinking, fusing ancestral rhythms with sophisticated harmonic and melodic exploration.
Known for its high-energy and culturally immersive performances, the ensemble delivers a vibrant, percussion-driven sound that resonates with diverse audiences. CLAVE Afro-Rican Jazz Ensemble celebrates tradition while pushing artistic boundaries, embodying a commitment to authenticity, innovation, and cultural pride—truly Creating Latin Arts & Vital Experiences.
CLAVE Afro-Rican Jazz Ensemble is dedicated to preserving and evolving the traditions of Afro-Rican and Afro-Caribbean rhythms through genre-blending compositions, educational outreach, and world‑class performance. Our goal is to elevate cultural storytelling through music that is rhythmic, soulful, and globally connected. Through passion, innovation, and cultural pride, this ensemble strives to inspire connection, honor tradition, and push rhythmic boundaries — one performance at a time.
Jon Garcia- Trumpet
Jon Garcia is a professional freelancing trumpet player, singer, composer, and clinician. Jon has toured around the world with the B.B. King’s All-Stars aboard the Holland America cruise ships and performed with salsa artists such as Tito Rojas, Tony Vega, Charlie Aponte, Domingo Quinones, Eddie Montalvo, among others. In 2017, he released his first Latin Jazz single recording titled, “Soaring Above the City Streets;” an homage to his birthplace of Brooklyn, NY. He holds two bachelor’s degrees in music education and performance from the University of Connecticut. Jon has served on the Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA) board of directors as the Equity and Advocacy chair. In addition to teaching and performing, Jon dedicates his time to leading workshops on Salsa Music as a Culturally Responsive Tool to teachers and families around the country.
Marcos Torres Marcos Torres - Guitar & Vocalist - Bio to follow
Marcos Torres is a seasoned musician and performer raised in Puerto Rico, the cradle of salsa, where legends like Hector Lavoe and Feliciano have their roots. From a young age, Marcos was immersed in the rich musical traditions of Afro-Cuban genres such as Bomba and Plena.
As a teenager, he toured the East Coast with various Christian groups, honing his craft and expanding his musical horizons. In his 20s and 30s, Marcos co-founded the successful Latin salsa band Karibe Mambo and took on leadership roles in other bands, including Pasofino Social Club.
Throughout his 30-year career, Marcos has been fortunate to share the stage with numerous Latin music artists, including Michael Stuart, and has been involved in a wide array of musical projects spanning different genres. His journey in music has been an enriching experience which has deepened his passion for the art.
Daniel Planas - Tenor Saxophone
Daniel Planas is a jazz saxophonist currently studying Jazz Studies and Performance at University of Connecticut. As a member of the university’s music community, he continues to develop his artistry through jazz performance, improvisation, and ensemble work. Daniel has performed alongside artists and groups including Van Lester, Frankie Vazquez, and Orquesta Afinke, among many others.
Kilo Marcos Torres - Percussion
Born into a musical family, Marcos was gifted a bongo at age 3 and never looked back. Graduating from Berklee college of music and turning into one of his generation's most respected percussionists, he’s performed with artists such as Marc Anthony, Rauw Alejandro, La India, Tito Nieves and Jerry Rivera.
Also a music producer, Marcos was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2023 for his work with Jeremy Bosch and won a Grammy in 2014 with Pacific Mambo Orchestra.
Fernando Garcia- Congas
Fernando Garcia has performed with charting artists as well as local acts across the north east. He's played with Fania legends such as Adalberto Santiago and Tito Allen, as well currently charting artists like Jeremy Bosch and Luis Figueroa. In addition to his business career and playing, he gives percussion lessons and collects rare conga drums.
Tito Planas - Trombonist
Tito Planas is a trombonist, arranger, vocalist, and educator with a distinguished career in music and academics.
Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, he studied baritone horn, solfège, and arranging at the Escuela Libre de Música and performed with the Coro de Niños de Ponce. After moving to the U.S., he learned trombone at the University of Bridgeport and went on to perform with renowned artists such as Hermanos Moreno, Banda Brava, Frankie Ruiz Jr., Héctor Tricoche, and Raulin Rosendo. He now directs Orquesta Afinke, one of Connecticut’s top salsa bands.
For over 30 years, Tito has been a key figure in the St. Peter’s Church choir, arranging, teaching, and conducting. He also runs Planas Studios, contributing to 100+ productions across various genres. Beyond music, Tito is a dedicated educator and currently serves as Director of Mathematics for Bridgeport Public Schools. His passion for both music and education continues to inspire countless students and musicians.
Alex "Apolo" Ayala-Berrios - Bass
Puerto Rican Bassist Alex "Apolo" Ayala-Berríos embodies the spirit of the multi-lingual musician. His vast knowledge of both Latin music and Jazz languages makes him one of the few Bi-lingual bassists in the music scene. A native from San Juan,Puerto Rico, he blends his Afro-Caribbean roots with Jazz language, which enables him to pace himself through Swing, Bebop, Blues, Bomba, Plena, Rumba, and explorations of other Latin-American expressions (Samba/Bossa, Tango, Afro-Peruvian, Afro- Colombian, Afro-Venezuelan). With a professional career of over 20 years, his body of work includes performances, tours, and recordings with Latin music giants and world-renowned Jazz musicians. He has played with the likes of Eddie Palmieri, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Roberto Rohena, Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Mambo Legends Orchestra, Tito Nieves, Tito Rojas, Orquesta Akokán, Puerto Rican Power, Luis “Perico” Ortíz, Giovanni Hidalgo, Antonio Hart, Papo Vázquez, Nestor Torres, Conrad Herwig, Mike Eckroth, Flavio Silva, Edsel Gomez, Paoli Mejías, Ralph Irrizary & Timbalaye, Jerry Gonzalez, William Cepeda, Mitch Frohman, Los Pleneros de la 21, among many others. He has also recorded for Gilberto Santa Rosa, Paoli Mejias, William Cepeda, Los Pleneros de la 21, Humberto Ramirez, Flavio Silva, Michael Eckroth, Paul Carlon, Edsel Gomez, Dave Schumacher, Luis "Perico" Ortiz, Puerto Rican Power, Tito Rojas, Jerry Rivera, Tito Nieves, Tony Vega, José Lugo “Guasábara Big Band”, Our Latin Thing feat. Vicentico (Fabulosos Cadillacs) and Puerto Rican rapper extraordinaire Residente. Based in New York City since 2013, he started in music at age 11. He studied and graduated with honors from "Escuela Libre de música de Hato Rey”, and later on he earned his BA Degree in Jazz and Caribbean Music from Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music), where he studied with legendary bassist Eddie Gomez, and worldwide renowned Saxophonist David Sanchez, among others. Currently, he leads two ensambles: “The Bámbula Project”, an Afro-Puerto Rican Jazz Quartet, and “The Afro-Puerto Rican Jazz Big Band. He has released two albums as a leader, “ONWARDS” (2011 Self-released) and “BÁMBULA” (TRRC 2022), as well as sideman work with the Antonio Hart Quartet and countless others.
Damian Curtis- Piano
Coming from a family of world-class musicians, Damian Curtis began studying the piano at age four. He attended the Academy of Performing Arts, Artists Collectives and Guakia School for the Creative and Performing Arts. During high school was afforded a full scholarship to the University of Hartford (Hartt School of Music). He has had the opportunity to share the stage with many great musicians, such as Giovanni Hidalgo, Patato Valdes, Andy Gonzalez, David and Abraham, José Papo Rivera, Rubin Felix, Jackie Mclean, Nat Reeves, and Steve Davis, just to name a few.
Band Members
- Jon Garcia — Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Percussion, Vocals
- David DeJesus — Tenor Saxophone
- Damian Curtis — Piano
- Matt Dwonszyk — Bass
- Marcos “Kilo” Torres — Drums
- Fernando “Memo” Garcia — Congas
Guest Musicians
- Marcos Torres — Guitar, Lead Vocals
- Edwin Rivera — Guitar, Lead Vocals
- Eddie Rivera, Jr. — Piano
- Alex “Apolo” Ayala — Bass
- Zack Guttsenok — Trumpet
- Gracey DePhillips — Alto Sax
- Danny Planas — Tenor Saxophone
- Jon Blanck — Tenor Saxophone
Musical Style & Influences
CLAVE’s sound is an energetic blend of:
- Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba & Plena
- Afro-Cuban rhythms such as Cha-cha and Son Montuno
- Latin Jazz
- Salsa
- Contemporary Jazz Improvisation
We're sorry, there are no refunds after tickets have been purchased. In the event of a pandemic, rain, snow, or other forms of weather which prohibit a performance, the performance date will be postponed and rescheduled for another date within a reasonable amount of time. If the new date is postponed, a future alternate date will be picked at the discretion of Bethel Jazz and the musical artist. The ticket holder will be notified of postponements, cancelations, and rescheduled dates via email. Tickets are non-refundable and may be transferred to another person in the event a purchaser can not make the rescheduled date. In the event, an artist cancels a date, and Bethel Jazz is unable to reschedule the artist, Bethel Jazz reserves the right to provide a substitute performer of equal quality without notice to the ticket purchaser. If a date is canceled and not rescheduled, Bethel Jazz will provide a refund (in some cases minus the Eventbrite fee) or credit for another performance at the choice of the ticket holder. Bethel Jazz will always do its best to accommodate for changes in seating, table sizes, or changes to tickets.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 20.52 to USD 241.94
