Chuchito Valdés - Cuban Jazz Series

Chuchito Valdés brings his Cuban jazz project to Blues Alley for a four-show engagement. A pianist, arranger, composer, and bandleader from one of Cuba’s most prominent musical families, Valdés performs music rooted in mambo, danzón, Cuban timba, and guaguancó, while incorporating the harmonic and structural ideas of classical composition and his longstanding appreciation for American jazz.

The program features music from his project *Reflections*, which showcases his original compositions and arrangements. Valdés is the son of Chucho Valdés and Mercedes Alfaro Cortes and the grandson of Bebo Valdés. He also led the renowned Cuban band Irakere, founded by his father, and has performed internationally at festivals, clubs, and concerts for audiences throughout the Americas and Europe. His jazz influences include Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock, and Chick Corea.

When: October 15–16, 2026

Showtimes: October 15 at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM; October 16 at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM

Tickets: $60, plus $7 in fees

Performer: Chuchito Valdés, pianist, arranger, composer, and bandleader

Music: Cuban music including mambo, danzón, Cuban timba, and guaguancó, along with original compositions and arrangements from *Reflections*

Venue: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007

Doors: Doors open at 6:00 PM for the early show and 8:45 PM for the late show on Fridays and Saturdays.

Seating: Seating is first come at the door.

Food and beverage minimum: Each guest must purchase at least $15 in food or beverages; this minimum is not included in the ticket price.

Refunds and transfers: Sales are final; tickets cannot be refunded or transferred.

Recording policy: Photography and recording of any kind are prohibited during the performance.

Audience etiquette: Guests are asked to keep conversation to a minimum during the performance.

All dates: Oct 15 at 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM · Oct 16 at 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM