Richard Bona & Mandekan Cubano

QUINCY JONES PRESENTS RICHARD BONA & MANDEKAN CUBANO SAT / MAR 17 / 7:30 PM Richard Bona, vocals/bass Jazz & Blues at The Broad Stage made possible by a generous gift from Richard & Lisa Kendall. Tonight’s program will be announced from the stage. There will be no intermission. 32 BIO the trophy for “Best International Artist of 2004”; such a prestigious award Fans call him “The African Sting,” critics confirmed his ability to appeal to a call him a pro, but it’s his unique and multitude of audiences ranging from jazz, electrifying style of connecting with his pop, bossa nova, traditional, afro-beat audience that titles him what he really is—a and funk. In 2005, Bona guest appeared true musician. RICHARD BONA’s seemingly on Mario Canonge’s album, “Rhyzome” and effortless voice, fierce skills on the bass, contributed to the soundtrack for Pascal unique songwriting/arranging expertise and Plisson’s film Massai, les guerriers de la ability to learn just about any instrument pluie. Also known for his role in the group, simply from watching, position him as a Steps Ahead, Bona has performed on many rare African artist to have established an stages such as the Adelaide International un-scalable reputation on an international Guitar Festival and with many luminaries platform. such as John Legend for his album, Tiki, Originally from Cameroon, Bona remains which was also nominated for a Grammy in true to his roots, with African rhythms 2007 for “Best Contemporary World Music reflected in each of his seven albums; the Album.” first three, Scenes from My Life, Reverence Despite the fact that he spent the entirety and Munia display his unique approach of 2008 and 2009 on a non-stop tour, Bona to storytelling through sounds. Seeking released The Ten Shades of Blues, which inspiration from his origins, the themes of illustrates his experience with different Bona’s albums address international issues shades of the blues that he interacted with which mirror his desire of using music during his tours throughout locations such to take a stance on issues affecting the as the Sahel, Brazil, India, United States oppressed. As an artist with a purpose, and Cameroon. Shortly after, Bona was he expanded into new musical territories honored by the Festival International de and teamed up with Congolese star, Lokua Jazz de Montreal with the Antonio Carlos Kanza and Antillais singer/composer Gerald Jobim Award; as one of seven recipients, Toto to create the 2004 collective, Toto, he is distinguished as an artist in the field Bona, Lokua on which Bona wrote four of world music whose influence on the tracks. evolution of jazz is widely recognized. He The trio then hit the road and toured also received the prestigious SACEM Jazz across France; however, Bono remained Award (Grand Prix Jazz SACEM) in 2012 in Europe to tour with guitarist Mike Stern for the Jazz Grand Prize. Additionally, and guest star on Japanese guitarist Kazumi his certified Gold 2013 album, Bonafied, Watanabe’s album, “Mo Bop 2.” Shortly demonstrates a fusion of cultures which after, the pair embarked upon a tour of he is continuously developing into a new Japan, providing Bona with the opportunity album that will be toured internationally. to incorporate the culture and sounds of a With numerous awards, performances, new territory into his work. Furthermore, he and years of expertise, Bona has become toured with Pat Metheny and appeared as one of the most accomplished and sought- a guest on two of Bobby McFerrin’s albums, after musicians of this generation. In 2016, along with numerous notable collaborations. he continued to redefine his sound and He later garnered recognition at the released his latest album Heritage, an Afro- Victoires du Jazz Awards where he won Cuban project with the Mandekan Cubano. VISIT THEBROADSTAGE.ORG 33.

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