Nick Moran and Yorvanis Duran present: Una Historia de Afro Cuban Jazz

Madison bassist Nick Moran and Cuban percussionist Yorvanis Duran Cordoba bring together an all-star ensemble to deliver a vibrant celebration of Afro-Cuban Jazz. This electrifying performance reimagines classic compositions by trailblazers such as Machito and his Afro-Cubans, Israel 'Cachao' López, Orlando 'Cachaíto' López, Angá Díaz, and many more. Join us for a powerful tribute that honors the enduring legacy and vibrant soul of Afro-Cuban music.
Nick Moran, Double Bass - Yorvanis Duran, Percussion - Richard Hildner Armacanqui, Guitar and Tres

Nat McIntosh, Trombone - Pawan Benjamin, Tenor Saxophone - Clay Lyons, Alto Saxophone

with some surprise special guests! 

Bassist Nick Moran has performed both nationally and internationally for over 25 years. He has collaborated with a diverse collection of internationally renowned acts including Ben Sidran, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Clyde Stubblefield, David ‘Fathead’ Newman, Ana Laan, Brenda Navarete, Juan ‘Cotito’ Medrano, Juan de Marcos Gonzalez, and hip hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc. Nick performs with internationally recognized Golpe Tierra and Phat Phunktion as well as his new project La Combi. Nick was awarded ‘Jazz Personality Of The Year’ at The Isthmus Jazz Festival by mayoral proclamation in 2014. He was also awarded Madison’s Latin Musician Of The Year in 2022. Nick joined the jazz studies faculty at The UW Madison Mead Witter School of Music as the Jazz Bass Instructor in 2016. He became the director of The UW Afro Cuban Jazz Ensemble in 2017. In 2022, he earned his Masters of Music in Double Bass Performance at UW Madison studying under Prof. Peter Dominguez. He is currently a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate in Double Bass Performance at UW Madison. In addition to his music and education careers, Nick is a producer and development consultant for The Arts + Literature Laboratory and has produced 8 seasons of the popular DIG Jazz series, a concert series featuring local artists showcasing original works. Nick was the co-producer of the popular Madison Jazz Festival for four years from 2021-2024.

Yorvanis Duran Cordoba, Born on May 22, 1979, Yorvanis Duran is a highly accomplished percussionist and music educator. He began his musical journey at the age of 10, studying at the Regino Eladio Botis School, where he excelled in national and regional percussion competitions, earning numerous awards.  Yorvanis continued his education at the Esteban Salas Conservatory in Santiago de Cuba, where he participated in advanced percussion workshops and performed with distinguished ensembles. A highlight of this period was his participation in the orchestra that performed for Pope John Paul II during his visit to Santiago de Cuba.  In 2000, Yorvanis advanced his studies at the University of the Arts (ISA) in Havana, Cuba. During this time, he joined one of Cuba’s most prestigious orchestras, Maraca y Otra Visión. With this ensemble, he toured over 25 countries and performed at some of the world’s most renowned jazz and world music festivals. Yorvanis also conducted workshops and masterclasses at esteemed institutions, including universities in the United States, such as Madison University.  In 2006, Yorvanis joined César López and Havana Ensemble, led by the former member of the legendary Irakere group, Maestro Chucho Valdés. Three years later, in 2009, he toured Mexico with Pedro Camacho and El Clan, captivating audiences across the country.  Yorvanis has also contributed to music education as part of the Renacer Children's Symphony Orchestra, where he shared his passion and expertise with young musicians, inspiring the next generation.  In 2013, he founded his own orchestra, Yoruba Son, in Mexico, showcasing a range of musical genres and celebrating the rich traditions of Afro-Cuban music. Most recently, in 2023, Yorvanis performed with acclaimed artists Omar Sosa and Brian Lynch’s Spheres of Influence, further cementing his place in the world of Afro-Cuban and contemporary jazz.  Currently, Yorvanis resides in Madison, Wisconsin, where he continues to enrich the musical community with his artistry and dedication.  

Host or Publisher Al Rasho