Join American Mural Project’s (AMP) teaching artist Ed Fast for a fun-filled week of “Latin meets jazz” music-making with acclaimed percussionist Ed Fast, teen musicians will learn the energizing rhythms of bomba, rumba, mambo, and more. In addition to studying clave, coro, montuno, and tumbao, participants will explore the exciting concepts and repertoire that are unique to Afro-Cuban music and jazz, as well as write original songs as a group.

DATES: July 31-August 4
TIMES: 9am–3:30pm
AGES: 12+
COST: $350/session

A variety of percussion instruments – drums, hand percussion, and marimba – will be provided. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own instruments. The week culminates with an outdoor performance on the afternoon of Friday, August 4 on the AMP property.

Teaching Artist: Ed Fast

Ed has become a celebrated figure through his band Conga Bop and its many well-received appearances in Hartford, including its soulful, sizzling sessions at Firebox Restaurant. As a versatile, Hartt School-trained percussionist, he is also right at home sitting in on occasion with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, touring with premier Broadway road shows throughout Russia, China, Japan, and South Korea, or gigging in backup bands at Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun, accompanying big-name, casino favorites like Aretha Franklin and Paul Anka. In addition to performing, Ed has been teaching percussion and coaching Afro-Cuban jazz ensembles throughout the region for more than thirty years.