Luis Garay Trio - Cuban Jazz Series
Luis Garay Trio performs as part of Blues Alley’s Cuban Jazz Series. The concert features Argentine-born percussionist, composer, recording artist, educator, and ensemble leader Luis Garay, whose work spans classical, jazz, Afro-Latin, symphonic, band, and world-percussion settings. The event is co-presented with the Embassy of Cuba.
Garay has performed across the Americas and Europe during a career spanning 44 years. He has served as a percussion soloist and director, former principal timpanist of the Córdoba Symphony Orchestra and Córdoba Symphony Band, founder of the Córdoba Jazz Quartet and Luis Garay Percussion World Ensemble, and artistic director of the Lion Drummers World Percussion Seminar. His Washington-area credits include the Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, the Organization of American States, the Department of State, the Smithsonian Institution, the Argentine Embassy, DAR Constitution Hall, Washington National Cathedral, Strathmore, the World Bank, and other major institutions.
When: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Showtimes: 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM
Doors: 6:00 PM for the 7:00 PM performance and 8:45 PM for the 9:30 PM performance
Tickets: $30, plus a $7 fee
Venue: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007
Lineup: Luis Garay Trio, led by Luis Garay
Background: Garay was born in Córdoba, Argentina, and studied at the Córdoba State Conservatory of Music, The Catholic University of America, and the Escola de Música de Brasília. He was a percussion professor at the Córdoba State Conservatory, an instructor and director of percussion ensembles, a private instructor and jazz ensemble director at St. Albans School and National Cathedral School, and an adjunct percussion instructor and ensemble director at The Catholic University of America.
Career highlights: Garay performed for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican and has received recognition as an “Artist of Exceptional Ability” from the U.S. government, as well as awards and fellowships connected with the International Rotary Club, the Group Study Exchange Program, the Organization of American States, The Catholic University of America, and the Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat Foundation. He has also worked as a performer, clinician, adjudicator, conductor, composer, director, and instructor with orchestras, bands, jazz groups, and percussion ensembles.
Recordings: His 2003 album *Sacumba* presents original Afro-Latin compositions performed by his group Percussion World. He released *Humanity* in July 2017 and also participated in the recording *Celebrating Sacred Rhythms* with the Choral Arts Society.
Food and beverage: Each attendee must meet a $15 food-and-beverage minimum, which is not included in the ticket price.
Seating: Seating is first come, first served at the door.
Refund policy: All sales are final. Tickets are not refundable or transferable.
Photography and recording: Photography and recording of any kind are prohibited during the performance.
Audience etiquette: Conversation should be kept to a minimum during the performance.
Run time: Not provided.