Ensemble Congeros

Enjoy an event rich with culture, passion and fun.
Experience an Afro-Cuban percussion performance by Ensemble Congeros, and an Art Exhibit and Artist Talk by Armando Soto whose work reflects Nuyerican, Taino and Jazz cultures.

About Ensemble Congeros:
Dr. Eddie Ade Knowles is Founder and Artistic Director of Ensemble Congeros, a group of RPI alums and students dedicated to the study of Afro-Cuban, African and New World percussion. Ensemble Congeros was founded in 2004 as an outgrowth of the interest and passion of Rensselaer students who successfully completed Dr. Knowles’ course, “Introduction to Afro-Cuban Percussion.” Congeros are known for their commitment to rhythm and the drum as the central medium of communication. Inspired by the experience and window into the social and religious music of Cuban Congeros, several graduates convinced him to continue to nurture and guide their sustained interest in “chasing the rhythms.” Ensemble Congeros fully embraces the honor and opportunity of being a continuous work in progress and a human manifestation of the synergy between the drum, science, technology, and the arts.

About Armando Soto:
Born in New York City, Armando Soto is a graduate of Pratt Institute NY. He received his BFA in Painting, Drawing and Art History. He also studied Bilingual Special Ed. at the Bank Street School of Education NYC. For many years, he taught in lower Manhattan for a community organization called Arts Resources for Teachers and Students which collaborated with teachers in developing art projects within the school district. He is a collaborative member of the Action Alley Project in which a mural was created with the artworks of children of the Troy Area United Ministries with the color and arrangement of the artist. He has also assisted with art projects at Public School 1 in Troy. His most recent show, “Los Tainos Through Nuyerican Eyes,” featured a retrospective of his work at El Taller Boricua, a Puerto Rican Art Workshop in East Harlem, New York City. He has been featured as an Artist Educator at the Arts Center of the Capital Region. From September to October 2014, he was in an art show called Points of Entry Through Folkloric Expressions, which showed an exhibition of his work based on the Indigenous people ( Los Tainos) of Puerto Rico and the Folkloric influences in his art works. His work is consistently shown at the Martinez Gallery in Troy NY which had an exhibition called Nuyorican Pilgrimage in March 2016, and has displayed his work at the New York State Museum. Currently, Armando monitors the Open Studio and teaches Abstract Painting and Studio Concepts at the Arts Center in Troy NY. As an Independent artist, he also teaches privately at the Ilium Building in Troy NY and presents art workshops throughout the capital region.

Light Refreshments will be served

Call 518-313-7723 To Reserve your Ticket Today!