Pinecrest Gardens: Celebrating Celia Cruz’s 100th with Historic Concert and Exhibition
From Jazz Greats to Salsa Legends:
Pinecrest Gardens Announces 2024-25 Concert Line-Up
Pinecrest Gardens redefines the South Florida live music landscape with its 2024-25 lineup, featuring a robust season of jazz and tropical rhythms, including a centennial musical celebration for Celia Cruz commemorating the Queen of Salsa’s legacy. Pinecrest Gardens hosts two live music series, Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens and Tropical Nights. Subscription and single tickets are available at https://www.pinecrestgardens.org/jazz and https://www.pinecrestgardens.org/tropicalnights.
Each performance takes place in Pinecrest Gardens’ historic Banyan Bowl, an acoustically stunning amphitheater under a spectacular geodesic dome.
A Salute to the Queen of Salsa: Celia Cruz & La Sonora Matancera Centennial Concert
The much-anticipated Celia Cruz Centennial Celebration 1925-2025 takes place on January 31 and February 1, 2025. During this evening of tropical elegance, Pinecrest Gardens honors the centennial year of Celia Cruz’s music (1925-2025). This homage follows the release of a U.S. Mint Quarter in the fall of 2024.
Spanish artist Lucrecia will embody Celia Cruz, accompanied by the Celia Cruz All-Stars, in a night reverberating with La Sonora Matancera’s golden-era musical charts and Cruz’s greatest hits.
The Hibiscus Gallery hosts a companion documentary exhibition leading up to the concert, showcasing historical photographs and memorabilia, including the famous “Cucaracha Dress,” transporting audiences to 1950s Havana. The exhibition will be on view from December 7, 2024, through February 2, 2025.
Cristina Blanco, Executive Director of Pinecrest Gardens, remarked, “Working alongside the Celia Cruz Foundation to bring this landmark celebration to life is a privilege. Celia Cruz is a cultural icon who continues to inspire generations. Through this partnership, we’re thrilled to offer South Florida audiences a glimpse into her unparalleled legacy, featuring some of her most beloved works and personal artifacts. It’s a fitting tribute to a woman who gave the world so much joy and whose music still resonates within our community.”
Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens
The 15th Annual Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens season unfolds with six award-winning artists:
The Hot Sardines (November 2, 2024): 1930’s and 40’s swinging jazz from the internationally-loved group labeled “the charismatic front-runners of vintage jazz” by The Guardian.
JUKEBOX SATURDAY NIGHT (December 7, 2024): A journey through big band swing era hits of Cal Calloway, Duke Ellington, and more.
Big Chief Donald Harrison (January 18, 2025): Renowned jazz saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master presenting a fusion of traditional jazz and contemporary styles he pioneered.
Kandace Springs Trio (February 8, 2025): Praised by Prince for having “a voice that could melt snow,” Springs effortlessly blends soul, pop, and jazz.
John Lloyd Young (March 15, 2025): The award-winning artist renowned for his portrayal of Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys performs 1950s and ‘60s hits in an intimate concert experience with piano accompaniment.
Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band (April 11, 2025): Led by composer Gordon Goodwin, this virtuosic group is known for its explosive big band sound, high energy, and masterful instrumentation.
Special thanks to Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens’ season sponsors and partners: Steinway & Sons, Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs, Panter, Panter, & Sampedro P.A., WLRN, and WDNA.
Tropical Nights
The third annual Tropical Nights season brings immersive music and dance experiences:
Celia Cruz Centennial Celebration 1925 – 2025 (January 31 and February 1, 2025): Experience a dazzling evening of glamour and tropical elegance, transporting you to 1950s Havana. Celebrate the centennial of Celia Cruz with an electrifying performance by Lucrecia and the Celia Cruz All Stars reimagining the golden era of Celia Cruz and La Sonora Matancera.
Gafieira Rio Miami Brazilian Big Band & Friends (February 28, 2025): Led by Latin Grammy-winning bassist Diogo Brown, the 11-piece band fuses samba, jazz, funk, and soul and features special guest percussionist Tony Succar, vocalist Isa Duarte, and world-champion ballroom dancers Carine Morais and Rafael Barros.
Chino Nuñez Orchestra (April 4, 2025): Multi-Grammy and Billboard Award-winning percussionist, composer, and producer Chino Nuñez presents the evolution of salsa music, tracing its roots through the rich tapestry of jazz, mambo, merengue, and cha-cha.
Tropical Nights sponsors and partners include Steinway & Sons, Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs, WLRN, and WDNA.
Tickets for Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens are available at https://www.pinecrestgardens.org/jazz.
Tickets for the Tropical Nights series are available at https://www.pinecrestgardens.org/tropicalnights.
The Banyan Bowl amphitheater’s geodesic dome protects guests from rain. Enjoy complimentary parking.
