The Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham will present singer-songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist Alex Cuba on Thursday, April 3.
Grammy Award winner Cuba creates Latin music that mixes elements of jazz, pop and funk with Latin American popular tradition. His musical evolution is about searching for the simplicity and soul in Cuban music — taking apart the complex arrangements, mixing it with North American influences, adopting the melodic simplicity of pop music and looking to Cuban folk traditions for inspiration. The global mix of sounds is accompanied by lyrics of the highest poetic flight.
The performance is set for 7 p.m. in UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $25. Buy tickets. For more information or for tickets, visit AlysStephens.org or call 205-975-2787.
Born Alexis Puentes, Cuba was immersed in music at a very young age. The son of guitarist and teacher Valentin Puentes, he joined his father’s group of 24 guitarists, and went on to study electric and upright bass, touring and recording nationally and internationally. His sound is the unique confluence of tradition and global influences, in articulate arrangements that convey emotion through melody and lyric, according to his artist statement.
With nine albums to date, Cuba’s honors include two Juno awards for World Music Album of the Year: in 2006 for his debut “Humo De Tobaco” and 2007’s “Agua Del Pozo.” In 2016, he won a Latin Grammy for Best Singer-Songwriter Album for “Healer,” which also garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Pop Album. In 2022, Cuba won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album for “Mendó,” as producer, artist and engineer. Filled with international collaborations, “Mendó” also features a commissioned 13-piece horn band from his native country of Cuba. It was his fourth nomination and first win, a tremendous accomplishment for an independent artist.
His latest is a special project paying homage to the roots of his musical family, “Voces De Mi Familia,” which features poetry and music of family members along with new original songs. “Voces De Mi Familia” was nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Traditional Tropical Album in 2024.
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Arts Circle members enjoy benefits including access to a pre-reception in the Abroms Patrons Lounge one hour prior to performance for beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Become a member.