Name: Jazz in the Park - De La Buena
Start: 2024-08-29T17:00:00-05:00
End: 2024-08-29T21:00:00-05:00
Location: 520 E Wells St., Milwaukee, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53202

Jazz in the Park, presented by Johnson Financial Group, welcomes De La Buena to Cathedral Square Park on August 29 🎵 Music starts at 6 p.m.
De La Buena was born on an auspicious spring evening in the year 2003. Percussionist & vocalist, Cecilio “Cee Loe” Negrón Jr. arrived early to a rehearsal for the seminal Midwest collective known as One Drum at the Milwaukee Riverwest studio home of pianist, organist & arranger, David Wake. Though the two had never met, it quickly became clear that they shared a multitude of interests, tastes & ambitions. Conversation quickly revealed that both had a desire to create a Latin Jazz group that honored the deep traditions of Puerto Rican, Cuban, Brazilian & Nuyorican musical styles while incorporating each of their vast musical tastes and experiences. As the sweet sounds of Willie Bobo & Cal Tjader wafted through the air that evening, a concept was born. Three days later, Cee Loe called David…stating, “I’ve got a name. De La Buena!” The seeds planted at this meeting yielded 20 years of friendship, collaboration & a band that has become a foundation of the Milwaukee musical landscape; De La Buena. The two decades that followed saw the band grow from a trio into a 12-piece powerhouse, though the extended De La Buena family runs 30+ past & present members. They enlisted the skill and artistry of some of the region’s finest musicians; forming one of the city’s most potent & sought after ensembles. Driven by David’s expansive arrangements, Cecilio’s explosive vocal stylings & percussive prowess, and the abundant charisma & knowledge of percussionist / vocalist, Julio Pabon, De La Buena has always strived to push the limits of the musical textures and rhythms of the Americas while paying homage to the traditions of the Caribbean and Africa. A deep-seated love of the delicate harmonic nuance of American Jazz music, and the exploration of our planet’s vast, varied & myriad rhythmicultural landscapes laid the foundation… electrifying audiences young and old with De La Buena’s unique take on psychedelically infused Afro-Cuban and Latin Jazz. Twenty plus years of friendship, kinship and musical adventures breathed vibrant life into this beautiful creation. Then, one fateful, devastating day in May 2023, everything changed. Our beloved Cee Loe passed away suddenly & unexpectedly. Those left behind are charged with the task of picking up the pieces to honor the spirit & legacy of our fallen brother while we forge ahead on our own journeys. The beat goes on & music is our medicine. Adelante! De La Buena.
Check out this page learn more about the band: delabuena.com
⬇ Additional Event Info ⬇
🍻 Sip to Support! - Alcoholic beverage carry-ins are NOT allowed at the event, but we do sell wine, beer and other non-alcoholic drinks at our main bar. Our beverage sales help offset the high costs of production and ensure the continued success of the festival. Proceeds from the concert series support the event and are returned to the community through neighborhood improvement programs and civic events, such as the popular Cathedral Square Market and Bastille Days. Don’t miss Happy Hour pricing each week starting at 5 p.m.!
Food trucks from local eateries like Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ and Immy’s African Cuisine will also be present.
🔗 For more information about the event, including parking information, visit easttown.com/jazz-in-the-park or easttown.com/jazz-in-the-park/faqs.
Thank you to our additional sponsors and partners: Bud Light, Gruber Law Offices, Door Peninsula Winery, WISN 12 NEWS, WMSE 91.7FM, OnMilwaukee and Urban Milwaukee.