SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University President’s Cultural Series presents Grammy Award winner and pianist Eddie Palmieri on Wednesday, February 26, at 7 p.m. in Janikies Theatre. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Palmieri is known as one of the finest pianists of the past 60 years. He is recognized for his unorthodox approach to music as a bandleader, arranger, and composer of salsa and Latin jazz. Born in Spanish Harlem and raised in the Bronx, Palmieri learned to play the piano at an early age and joined his uncle’s orchestra, where he played timbales, at the age of 13.
His professional career took off as he played with various bands in the early 1950s, including Eddie Forrester, Johnny Segui’s, and the popular Tito Rodriguez Orchestra. In 1961, Palmieri formed his own band, La Perfecta, which featured an unconventional front line of trombones rather than the trumpets customary in Latin orchestras.
In 1975, Palmieri won the first-ever Grammy for Best Latin Recording for his album, “The Sun of Latin Music.” Altogether, he’s won 10 Grammys, including two for his influential recording, “Obra Maestra/Masterpiece,” with Tito Puente.
Palmieri has received numerous honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences and the Jazz Master Award by the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), the highest honor an American Jazz artist can receive.
His last two albums, “Full Circle” and “Mi Luz Mayor,” were released in 2018 with the world’s first interactive Salsa app. Palmieri continues an active touring and recording schedule.
Ticket Information:
General admission is $20. Smithfield residents may receive two complimentary tickets per household (additional tickets are $20 each).
Tickets for non-Bryant students and teachers are $10 with a school I.D. Tickets for Bryant alumni are $10 if reserved in advance ($15 on concert night).
Bryant students, faculty, and staff may receive two complimentary tickets at the Fisher Student Center Information Desk.
Register at www.bryant.edu/alumnievents. For any questions, call (401) 531-6661.
