Jazz in the Garden: Cocomama (Latin Jazz Octet)

One of the nation’s longest running jazz festivals, Jazz in the Garden began in 1965 as a way for residents and workers in New Jersey’s largest city to enjoy the Museum’s Alice Ransom Dreyfuss Garden, providing another cultural experience for the community in the warm weather months. Its popularity now extends as far as South Jersey to Long Island. The series has included both local musicians as well as international stars. Some of the notables who have performed are Jimmy Guiffre, Houston Person and Etta James, Ron Carter, Cedar Walton, David Murray and Lou Donaldson.

This New York City based group features women from Mexico, Cuba, Israel, France, Argentina, Oregon and Wisconsin.  Formed in 2008 by the percussionist Mayra Casales – who has worked with Regina Carter and Carmen Lundy – they are heavily influenced by the musical traditions of Cuba, Brazil, South and North America. Cocomama released its debut recording Quiero (Truth Revolution Records) in 2015.