Latin jazz is popular throughout the Americas, yet the Dominican Republic is notably missing from renowned jazz traditions. At the time, outside influences were suppressed by the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in favor of homegrown folk styles. Despite the repression, a small scene has grown into a beloved, yearly festival dedicated to jazz.
The most famous jazz musician from the Dominican Republic is Michel Camilo, the famed pianist from Santo Domingo who now resides in New York City. Learning his chops at the National Conservatory, Camilo was introduced to jazz by hearing Art Tatum on the radio playing “Tea for Two,” hooking him into the sound while playing with the Dominican Republic’s Symphony Orchestra.
After a debut at Carnegie Hall, Camilo went on to have an illustrious career, performing with the likes of Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsali and many more. In the meantime, producer Lorenzo Sancassani was introducing the island to jazz with what was once a small festival in the resort town of Puerto Plata. While most of the people in the resort are tourists, the music struck a cord with the locals who filled more than 90 percent of the seats, partially due to the fact that concerts are free of charge (though it is subsidized by the sale of VIP seats).
The festival has since moved to the city of Santo Domingo, where international stars have been coming to perform for the past 20 years. The Dominican Republic Jazz Festival is also praised for FEDUJAZZ, a non-profit organization that offers workshops for aspiring musicians and children from the local barrios, helping to foster a culture of music and the jazz tradition.
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