Gino Castillo

Friday, September 25th

Gino Castillo’s SoulFunKubanized

Gino Castillo is an Afro-Cuban jazz percussionist, singer and leader of SoulFunKubanized, a tribute to African-American music that influenced a change in modern Cuban music in the 1970s.

Watch SoulFunKubanized perform their unique version Prince’s “When Doves Cry” HERE.

Gino’s background includes an honorary degree in percussion teaching from George Gershwin Conservatory (Ecuador), a degree in percussion studies from the Caturla Conservatory and the Felix Varela Conservatory, and many private lessons, included studies with Cuban artist Oscar Valdes (Cuba).  Gino’s musical talent has been heard on many albums, and in live shows, and he has collaborated with many international artists, such as: Etienne Charles, Earl Klugh, Ray Parker Jr, Horacio el Negro Hernández , Charleston Jazz Orchestra , Jose Pepito Gomez, John Benítez, Pascoal Meirelles,, Paulo Moura, , Alex Alvear , Oscarito Valdés, David Lee, Jessy J, André Neiva, Zacai Curtis, Rafael Paceiro, Emilio Morales, Frank Rubio, Ymelda Marie-Louisa , Cruks en Karnak, Juan Fernando Velasco, Carmen González, and more.

In 2007, Pearl became Gino’s exclusive sponsor, making him the first Latin American percussionist to appear in their regular e-newsletter, to be quickly followed by their promotion of his record release of “Ya Llegamos” and inclusion on Pearl’s website and catalogues. At the same time, since year 2003 Gino has maintained his cymbals sponsor with Sabian, becoming the first Ecuadorian musician to be sponsored by a worldwide brand.

Gino has served as the head Percussion teacher for the “Instituto de Musica Contemporanea” from Universidad San Fransisco de Quito and which is part of the Berklee College of Music Network. He also owns the “Centro de Percusion Latina Gino Castillo” which is part of the George Gershwin Conservatory in Quito, Ecuador, where he has been developing a modern method of learning based on his many years as a musician and teacher.

Showtimes:  7:30pm and 9:30pm     Tickets:  $22