World of Music: Hugo Cruz’s Voice of the Drums ft. James Johnson III

Tune in for the second installment of Hugo Cruz’s three-part concert series, The Voice of the Drums. This trio of concerts features some of the most influential drummers and artists in Pittsburgh. Following an outstanding performance with legendary Pittsburgh percussionist Roger Humphries, this July, Hugo welcomes fellow phenomenal drummer James Johnson III to the Alphabet City stage! Joining the pair is an all-star lineup of some of the city’s best musicians, fusing classic jazz compositions with the Cuban drum tradition, which draws influences from Africa, China, Russia, and Western Art Music.

Hugo Cruz began his Voice of the Drums project in 2022, with the vision of using the drums—perhaps the oldest instrument in the world, and a key instrument in many cultures—to bring together musicians from different backgrounds.

Featured Musicians:

James Johnson III: drums

Denzel Chismar-Oliver: electric bass

Chris Coles: sax

Colter Harper: electric guitar

Hugo Cruz: drums

About the Artist:

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.

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.