Virtuoso trumpeter to headline Adrienne Arsht Center’s Jazz Roots Series finale
Renowned Cuban-born trumpeter Arturo Sandoval is set to take the stage at the Adrienne Arsht Center on Friday, April 11, 2025, for an electrifying night of hard-swinging jazz. A protégé of the legendary Dizzy Gillespie and a founding member of the groundbreaking Cuban jazz ensemble Irakere, Sandoval has spent decades captivating audiences worldwide with his signature fusion of jazz, classical, and Afro-Cuban influences. His virtuosic command of both the trumpet and piano has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom.
A life in music: From Cuba to global stardom
Arturo Sandoval’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Artemisa, Cuba, he displayed an early affinity for music, mastering the trumpet and flugelhorn with a technical precision that few could rival. His defection to the United States in 1990 was a defining moment, not just in his personal life but for jazz as a whole. His music, an intoxicating blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms, bebop, and classical influences, has since enchanted audiences worldwide.
Throughout his career, Sandoval has amassed an impressive array of accolades, including ten Grammy Awards, six Billboard Awards, and an Emmy. His contribution to music education is equally noteworthy, having mentored countless young musicians and performed at prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center and the White House. His remarkable journey was immortalized in the HBO film For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story, starring Andy García.
An Evening of Jazz Excellence
Sandoval’s highly anticipated performance at the Arsht Center will conclude the 2024-2025 Jazz Roots series. Fans can expect an exhilarating showcase of his greatest hits, including classics like Blues in F, Romantico, and Surena, blending technical precision with deep emotional expression. The concert will open with the Dafnis Prieto Sí o Sí Quartet, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of music.
Adding to the excitement, Chucho Valdés will make a special guest appearance, reuniting with Sandoval on stage. Their longstanding friendship and history of musical collaboration, dating back to their early days in the legendary Cuban band Irakere, promise to bring a unique and heartfelt energy to the performance.
Tickets are on sale now at ArshtCenter.org. This is a rare opportunity to witness a living jazz legend in action, an evening that no jazz lover should miss.

The Legacy Continues
Despite decades in the spotlight, Arturo Sandoval shows no signs of slowing down. His recent honor at the Kennedy Center further cements his place among the all-time greats. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, “Music has been my refuge, my passion, and my gift to the world. I am deeply grateful for every note I’ve played and every audience I’ve had the privilege to perform for.”
Beyond his performances, Arturo Sandoval remains a dedicated educator and mentor, ensuring that the next generation of jazz musicians carries the torch forward. His contributions have shaped the past, present, and future of jazz, making him an irreplaceable figure in the genre’s rich history. An example of this is through The Arturo Sandoval Institute which provides opportunities to young, passionate musicians by providing scholarships, instruments, concerts, clinics, master classes and financial support.
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