Santos and Machete Ensemble to close out residency

Master percussionist John Santos concludes his UW–Madison residency Saturday, April 27, at 8 p.m. when he performs with the Machete Ensemble and special guest Ko-Thi Dance at the Wisconsin Union Theater.

Santos, described as Latin music’s Renaissance man, is known for his innovative use of traditional forms and instruments in combination with contemporary music. He has performed, recorded and studied with Afro-Latin and jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie and Tito Puente.

For the past seven weeks Santos lectured, demonstrated his artistry and brought superb musicians to the campus and Madison. On April 27, Santos unites with his Machete Ensemble, a premier Latin Jazz orchestra made up of some of the most accomplished musicians working today. Machete plays a full spectrum of Afro-Latin music, from folklore through dance music to jazz.

Opening the show is Milwaukee’s Ko-Thi Dance, the third oldest African dance company in America. Ko-Thi, which has toured internationally, uses a myriad of traditional instruments, authentic costumes, exhilarating music and awe-inspiring dance to educate and bridge the gap between cultures.

Tickets: $28 general, $27 Union members, $13.50 UW–Madison students, Union Theater Box Office, (608) 262-2201.