The Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society will continue its third-annual Party on the Portico summer happy hour series on Friday, July 18 from 5 PM to 8 PM at its museum building, located at 25 Nottingham Court at Elmwood Avenue.
Guests to each Party on the Portico will have access to the museum’s two new featured exhibits, Shaking Hands and Kissing Babies and Cathedrals of Industry. However, the highlight of the night will be danceable Latin music by Wendell Rivera’s Latin Jazz Ensemble.
Wendell Rivera’s current ensemble features five internationally acclaimed Buffalo-based artists including: pianist Pat Georger, saxophonist Andrew Weinzler, bassist John Curry, drummer John Bacon, Jr., and vibes by David Kayne.
Wendell Rivera is an award winning percussionist who currently lives in Buffalo, but was influenced by the music of Ponce, Puerto Rico, where he grew up. After perfecting his skills on the conga drums, he caught the attention of tenured professors of Latin music and the rest was history .
Rivera has performed Latin music and Jazz throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean Islands. He has also performed with various artists including: Aretha Franklin, Ben Vereen, Dave Valentin, Bob Mintzer, Ralph Irrizarry, Yomo Toro, Humberto Ramirez, Raynaldo George, and Oscar Hernandez.
Additionally, Rivera was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 2000 and has released various albums. Most recently he released, Wendell Rivera’s Latin Jazz Ensemble with John Patitucci in 2006.
It’s clear that Rivera has made his mark in Buffalo, and seeing him play will be a unique experience. The best part about Party on the Portico is the tickets are only $10 each and include Wendell Rivera’s Latin Jazz Ensemble, beer, wine, hors d’oeuvres, and great views of Mirror Lake, Delaware Park, and the Japanese Garden from the steps of the museum. This event runs rain or shine and is limited to guests ages 21 and over. For more information, call the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society at 873.9644 extension 301 or visit www.bechs.org.
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