Chucho Valdés 85th Birthday Celebration
Chucho Valdés celebrates his 85th birthday with a performance at Strathmore’s Music Center, highlighting the career and continuing influence of the pianist, composer, and seven-time Grammy and seven-time Latin Grammy winner. Special guests Joe Lovano and Etienne Charles join him for an evening rooted in Afro-Cuban jazz.
The program looks back at Valdés’s genre-shaping work, including his role in Irakere, whose music combined Afro-Cuban ritual traditions with popular music, jazz, rock, and classical influences. It also reflects on his more recent work, including his 2025 album *Cuba and Beyond*, recorded with the Royal Quartet and pairing Cuban traditions with jazz influenced by Thelonious Monk.
When: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Showtime: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: The Music Center at Strathmore
Lineup: Chucho Valdés, with special guests Joe Lovano and Etienne Charles
Tickets: $28–$98
Pre-Concert Event: ¡Baila Cuba! takes place in the lobby before the performance, featuring Cuban music, dance, and community activities.
Series: The performance is part of Strathmore’s Windows series, which includes performances and accompanying programs.
Dining: The Music Center offers à la carte dining at Allegro Kitchen and, for most performances, a multi-course Prelude Buffet with reserved seating. Reservations are encouraged, and bars operate before the concert and during intermission. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
Ticket Policy: Requests for a credit or exchange for another Strathmore Presents performance must be submitted at least 48 hours before the show. Refunds are available if the performance is canceled or rescheduled; no refunds, exchanges, or credit are available after a performance has passed.
Community Access Tickets: Strathmore offers tickets priced under $30 for all Strathmore Presents programs in the Music Center. Discounted tickets must be requested through Strathmore at least one full week before the performance, and tickets may not be resold above face value.
Security: All guests undergo security screening before entering the Concert Hall lobbies. Review Strathmore’s prohibited-items requirements before arriving.
Accessibility and Visit Information: Accessibility details, directions, parking, health and safety policies, and other visitor guidance are available through Strathmore’s plan-your-visit resources.
Run time: Not listed.
Ages: Not listed.