Jazz artist to relaunch HLSCC’s arts series, Continue reading “Jazz artist to relaunch HLSCC’s arts series”

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College is bringing back its Performing Arts Series after an eight-year hiatus, with Latin jazz artist Tito Puente Jr. set to headline a Saturday concert at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium.

The return marks the post-Hurricane Irma revival of a programme that ran for more than 20 years leading up to the 2016-2017 season.

Mr. Puente is no stranger to the Virgin Islands. He last performed at the auditorium on Jan. 12, 2013, during the 18th season of the series, according to the college.

Born in New York City of Puerto Rican heritage, the performer carries forward his father’s legacy, blending Afro-Cuban rhythms, other Caribbean influences and classic jazz with a contemporary edge, the college stated.

“When we spoke about bringing the Performing Arts Series back, we knew the moment had to feel historic,” said Linette Baa, performing arts coordinator at HLSCC. “Tito Puente Jr. represents excellence, legacy and global cultural impact. His music connects generations, cultures and communities, which is exactly what we want the series to embody as it returns.”

Student engagement

Before the concert, the college will host a student outreach and school engagement session tomorrow, giving young people an opportunity to interact with the artist in an educational setting.

HLSCC President Richard Georges said this outreach reflects the wider purpose behind the series’ revival.

“The return of the Performing Arts Series is the renewed commitment to our mission as a college,” he said. “The student outreach with Tito Puente Jr is a powerful extension of that mission, grounded in the belief that meaningful contact with the arts builds confidence, sparks imagination and shapes the next generation of cultural contributors.”

He added that the concert is among many experiences the college is reintroducing as part of efforts to “strengthen HLSCC’s role as a centre of learning, inspiration and community life” in the territory.

“We are excited for what this revival represents and hope it is only the beginning of many special moments to come,” he said.

The 8 p.m. concert is supported by the Sir Richard Branson-backed Unite BVI Foundation as well as JOMA Properties, the college said.