Melvis Santa/Jazz Orishas
Actor, vocalist, pianist, educator, and Grammy Nominee Melvis Santa was born and raised in an eclectic neighborhood of Havana, Cuba. From her debut album as band leader in 2012 entitled “Santa Habana” to her moved to New York in 2014, Melvis continues to make her mark as a performer and educator, adding to the Afro-Cuban jazz movement set into motion by her ancestors, Mario Bauzá, Graciela Pérez, Celia Cruz and Mongo Santamaría. The New York Times defined her style as possessing 70`s soul underpinnings, yet belonging to the Afro Cuban musical traditions.
This multi-ensemble bandleader has showcased at Minton’s, Birdland, The Jazz Gallery, The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, Aaron Davis Hall and Lincoln Center.
Melvis is the recipient of various awards including BKCM’s Jazz Leaders Fellowship, NYC Women’s Fund, and the Paul Simon Music Teachers Fellowship. In addition, she has conducted residencies at the Harlem Jazz Museum, Boulder University, UArts and The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic.
Actor, vocalist, pianist, educator, and Grammy Nominee Melvis Santa was born and raised in an eclectic neighborhood of Havana, Cuba. From her debut album as band leader in 2012 entitled “Santa Habana” to her moved to New York in 2014, Melvis continues to make her mark as a performer and educator, adding to the Afro-Cuban jazz movement set into motion by her ancestors, Mario Bauzá, Graciela Pérez, Celia Cruz and Mongo Santamaría. The New York Times defined her style as possessing 70`s soul underpinnings, yet belonging to the Afro Cuban musical traditions.
This multi-ensemble bandleader has showcased at Minton’s, Birdland, The Jazz Gallery, The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, Aaron Davis Hall and Lincoln Center.
Melvis is the recipient of various awards including BKCM’s Jazz Leaders Fellowship, NYC Women’s Fund, and the Paul Simon Music Teachers Fellowship. In addition, she has conducted residencies at the Harlem Jazz Museum, Boulder University, UArts and The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic.
Brooklyn Public Library - Brooklyn Heights Library, Multipurpose Room MM/DD/YYYY 60