World of Music: Hugo Cruz, “Voice of the Drums” Part I ft. Roger Humphries

We welcome the joyful return of fan-favorite Hugo Cruz for the first of a three-part concert series titled “The Voice of the Drums,” which features some of the most influential drummers and artists in Pittsburgh.

This performance is led by Hugo, featuring the legendary Roger Humphries, as they create a musical dialogue between Cuban and Pittsburgh traditions on one of the world’s oldest instruments—the drums. The percussionist pair and fellow musicians Lou Stellute, Max Leake, and Siheng Ten, will take the audience on an exciting journey through some of the most famous jazz tunes in the canon—including “Song for My Father” and “Manteca.” But the fun doesn’t stop there. The group will blend those famous jazz tracks with Afro-Cuban and Cuban rhythms, alternating between musical performances and spoken dialogue between Hugo and Roger, in which the pair will share comedic anecdotes and insights into their professional lives. This unique performance promises to be as insightful and intimate as it is joyous, and we can’t wait to see you there. 

Featured Musicians:

Roger Humphries (special guest): drums 

Hugo Cruz: drums

Lou Stellute: sax 

Max Leake: Keys

Siheng Ten: Bass 

About the Artists:

Hugo Alexander Cruz Machado is a Cuban-born, award-winning drummer and composer who has performed internationally, including South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Mexico, Chile, Venezuela, and the United States. Hugo is the leader of the jazz fusion music group Caminos, who have made appearances at Fábrica de Artes in Havana, Cuba, Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival 2019, Carnegie Museum of Art, City of Asylum, Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall, Westylvania Jazz and Blues Festival, and the Monroeville Jazz Festival, among many others.  

Roger Humphries was three years old when his family first discovered his early talent for playing drums. He began playing professionally at fourteen, and within two years, he was leading his own group at Carnegie Music Hall. In 1964, Roger went to New York to join the Horace Silver Quintet. While with Silver, Roger recorded three albums: Song For My Father, Cape Verdean Blues, and Jody Grind, with Song for My Father taking its place as one of the most legendary albums of our time. Music critics rate Roger as one of the most exciting percussionists in the business. He has provided the rhythmic beat for such greats as Ray Charles, Horace Silver, Richard “Groove” Holmes, Stanley Turrentine, James Moody, Lee Morgan, Dr. Billy Taylor, Benny Green, Lionel Hampton, Coleman Hawkins, Clark Terry, J.J. Johnson, Dizzy Gillespie, and countless others. After playing with various groups around the country, ace drummer Roger Humphries decided to organize his own group in 1972, which he calls RH Factor. 

About Your Visit: 

The in-house restaurant, Cucina Alfabeto, is open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Please visit Open Table or call 412-435-1111 to make a reservation.