One of the most celebrated Cuban jazz percussionists of today, New York-based, Latin Grammy winner Dafnis Prieto brings his avant-garde, electronic, soul, hip hop, jazz trio to Canada for the very first time. Featuring Jason Lindner on keyboard and vocalist Kokayi.

Dafnis Prieto Proverb Trio

$15 advance, $20 at the door

Co-presented with Soul Drums.

Dafnis Prieto New York

The arrival in the U.S. of Cuban-born drummer Dafnis Prieto has been compared by to that of an asteroid hitting New York. In addition to releasing five critically-acclaimed recordings under his own name, Prieto has performed in the bands of Henry Threadgill, Eddie Palmieri, Dave Samuels, Jane Bunnett, D. D. Jackson, Chucho Valdez, Giovanni Hidalgo, Claudia Acua, Roy Hargrove, Don Byron and Andrew Hill. In the words of Eddie Palmieri, [Dafnis]is extraordinary, a rhythmic stimulus. He comprehends the two most incredibly difficult rhythmic genres - being Cuban and being an extremely talented jazz drummer.

Kokayi Washing D.C

One of the most versatile innovators of his generation, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, emcee producer and educator Kokayi has shared the stage with the likes of Wale, Steve Coleman, Little Dragon, Meshelle Ndgeocello, Janelle Monae, Pharoahe Monch, Ravi Coltrane, Jean Grae, Black Milk, Vijay Iyer and The Roots. His music can be heard in Kevin Hart's film "Laugh at my Pain" and in the Bernie Mac documentary "I Ain't Scared of You." Voted as one of the best records of 2012 by the Washington City Paper, Kokayi's 2012 release, Pro Deo et Patria explores new soundscapes, interpreting the social subtext of both religion and patriotism and their affects on the human psyche.

Jason Lindner

Whether fronting his own trio [Now Vs Now], directing his widely acclaimed big band, or collaborating with many of the worlds finest musicians, Lindner is sound without borders. Praised by Chick Corea as a musical universe, he writes, performs, arranges, and produces for an ever-growing roster of projects. His musical palette extends from world-class mastery of the acoustic piano to a wide range of electric keyboards and synthesizers. Jason Lindners resume includes stints with Meshell Ndegeocello, Roy Haynes, Simon Shaheen, Lauryn Hill, Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove and Claudia Acua. He currently tours with his trio Now Vs Now, as well as a member of groups led by Dafnis Prieto, Anat Cohen and Mark Guiliana.

Mustafa The Poet

Mustafa Ahmed is a 17-year-old spoken word artist, actor and emcee based in Regent Park, Toronto. Mustafa recently completed his debut poetry EP, and he hopes to use his writing skills to touch hearts and minds and inspire younger generations to be more active in the world. He has been featured by The Walrus, CBC, Global TV and the Toronto Star, collaborated with Nelly Furtado and performed alongside Margaret Atwood and Jhen Aiko.