From Havana to Madison: Juan de Marcos González brings Afro-Cuban All Stars back to Overture Center Friday night

Juan de Marcos González and the Afro-Cuban All Stars will return to Madison’s Overture Hall Friday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m., for an evening of Cuban music and dancing, blending traditional rhythms with jazz and big-band sounds. Founded by Cuban bandleader González, the internationally acclaimed ensemble emerged from the musical movement that introduced audiences worldwide to the Buena Vista Social Club. The group brings together veteran performers and emerging musicians to celebrate Cuban music across generations. González has visited Madison several times, including a fall 2015 residency at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he taught courses on Afro-Cuban music and production, led master classes with School of Music ensembles, participated in community outreach in Madison and Milwaukee, and presented public lectures and performances featuring Pellejo Secco, the Afro-Cuban All Stars and Telmary Diaz. “I’ve been to Madison a few times before, and I enjoyed being the interdisciplinar