The Dakota has assembled a fascinating four nights of Latin jazz. Kicking it off will be two evenings of Minnesota’s own Cuban-American treasure, piano monster Nachito Herrera, and the all-star Habana Social Club, featuring members of Cubanismo, Los Van Van and other groups. Rising Cuban piano star Marialy Pacheco brings her trio on Friday, followed by Puerto Rican piano master Eddie Palmieri on Saturday. -Jon Bream
What a fine way to approach summer’s end: with sequential nights of hot Latin jazz. Tonight, Nachito Herrera, one of the great Cuban pianists, will perform with a 13-member ensemble of players and singers borrowed from Buena Vista Social Club, Afro-Cuban All-Stars, Cubanismo, Los Van Van and other major bands. On Friday, Cuban pianist and Montreux Jazz Festival Solo Piano Competition winner Marialy Pacheco will play with her trio, with Yunior Terry on bass and Francisco Mela on drums. And on Saturday, Latin jazz giant Eddie Palmieri will make his Dakota debut. –Pamela Espeland