Guide for the Few

New York, Happening

Chucho Valdés 85th Birthday Celebration

16 to 17 October 2026

The Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés marks his 85th birthday with two nights of standards at Rose Theater, with Terence Blanchard and Joe Lovano in his band.

Rose Theater, Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th Street, New York, NY 10019

Rose Theater from the stalls during a concert

Why it is worth going

Chucho Valdés holds Cuba's National Prize of Music and the Félix Varela Medal, the country's highest honours.1 For his 85th birthday he comes back to Rose Theater with a programme of American standards.1 The band is built for the occasion: Terence Blanchard on trumpet, Joe Lovano on saxophone, John Patitucci on bass, Marcus Gilmore on drums and Roberto Jr. Vizcaino Torre on percussion.1 Two nights only, as part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center season.12 A lecture on the music starts at 6:30 PM, and the ticket stub covers entry to the 10:45 PM late set at Dizzy's Club in the same building.1

Sources
  1. Chucho Valdés 85th Birthday Celebration With Special Guests Joe Lovano and Terence Blanchard | Jazz at Lincoln Center. jazz.org, read 25 September 2026.
  2. Jazz at Lincoln Center. jazz.org, read 25 September 2026.

Last checked 25 September 2026.