Elio Villafranca’s Sligo Afro-Latin & Jazz Orchestra

Sligo Jazz Project’s 2024 Artist in Residence leads an all-star ten-piece group with an emphasis on afro cuban and swing styles.

Born in the province of Pinar del Río, Cuba, Steinway Artist and cultural activist, author, pianist, and composer Elio Villafranca is a 2021 Guggenheim Fellowship recipient; a two-time Grammy nominee; 2019 Downbeat Critic’s Poll Rising Stars Pianist; winner of the 2018 Downbeat Critic’s Poll Rising Stars Keyboard; first Cuban born recipient of the Sunshine Award (2017), founded to recognize excellence in the performing arts, education, science, and sports of the various Caribbean countries, South America, Centro America, and Africa; and a recipient of the first Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) Millennium Swing Award in 2014.

FESTIVAL CLUB JAM SESSION: 10pm Hawk’s Well Theatre Lobby

Catch some spontaneous performances featuring the 150 or so summer
school participants who flock to Sligo each year for the love of jazz! You’d
never know who might show up to join in.