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CONCERT | Christopher Dean Sullivan’s SUWASA TRIO with Special Guest Daniel Villegas
Wallkill River Center for the Arts is pleased to present the first concert of our 2025 music series.
SuWaSa: The music of Sullivan, Waldron, and Sanabria is a fusion of jazz mastery and cultural heritage. Rooted in tradition yet pushing musical boundaries, their synergy embodies rhythm, soul and storytelling through their American artform. They are joined this evening by Rap Poet Daniel Villegas for a unique overlay of cultures and rhythms.
Saturday, May 31 from 5 – 7 pm
Calvary Presbyterian Church, 120 South Street, Newburgh, NY
This event is free and open to the public with a suggested donation of $20/person. Registration – at bottom of event page – is requested but not required.
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About the musicians:
Bassist Christopher Dean Sullivan
A global traveler, bassist Christopher Dean Sullivan transcends genres from Jazz to Afro-Latin. Honored with various New York State Arts, County, Senate, Congressional, and Municipal awards, Christopher Dean Sullivan has shared stages and/or recorded with legends such as Archie Schepp and Odean Pope and many others. Featured on recordings with Israel “Cachao” López Valdés, and Christian McBride, Sullivan’s artistry knows no bounds.
“Christopher Dean Sullivan is a bassist whose authoritative and bluesy note bending honors his affection for legends such as Slam Stewart and Ray Brown.” ~ Steve Monroe, Jazz Journalist Association
“Bassist Christopher Dean Sullivan plays with a natural looseness, easily adapting to the great variety of prevailing directions of the tune.” ~ Karl Ackermann, All About Jazz
Pianist & Vocalist Mala Waldron
Experience Mala Waldron, the NYC-based pianist/vocalist! A prolific composer with international acclaim from France to Japan, Mala evokes Nina Simone with broad appeal and has found her own unique sound as a singer of many styles. Discover her CD “Always There,” a Jazz USA Top 20 hit, licensed by Columbia Records Japan.
“The Gifted Mala Waldron traverse the jazz terrain, from straight ahead to more experimental fare, with ease, inspiration and inventiveness…” ~JazzReview.com
“When you hear Mala Waldron’s soulful voice…, you realize that you are experiencing something very special, for Waldron is not only an accomplished vocalist and songwriter, but also a fine pianist who hits the keys with great precision, bringing various musical influences into the jazz realm.”
~ George W. Carroll ~ eJazzNews
Drummer/Percussionist Bobby Sanabria
Multi-Grammy Nominee Bobby Sanabria is a notable drummer, percussionist, composer, and arranger. He is a multicultural warrior, recording artist, and has performed with jazz and Latin music legends such as Dizzy Gillespie and Tito Puente. He has created Educational programs for young people and leads his Multiverse Big Band and several dynamic ensembles on tours around the world.
“Sanabria is a human rhythm machine who constantly propels and in the process lights a fire…” ~ Harvey Siders, Jazz Times
“New York City-based drummer Bobby Sanabria might be considered the Buddy Rich of the Latin jazz percussive arena. He’s a firebrand who lays down fervent swing grooves while churning out blazingly fast and amazingly coherent salsa beats amid an altogether complex attack…” ~ Glenn Astarita, All Music Guide
Poet/Percussionist Daniel Villegas
Daniel Villegas is a dynamic Slam poet and spoken word artist who captivates audiences with his rhythmic and rhyming performances. Using the power of the congas, he skillfully weaves poetry and expression, delivering poignant life lessons through his art.
Throughout his career, Daniel has had the privilege of performing alongside and opening for renowned artists such as Saul Williams, KRS-One, Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, Flobots, Immortal Technique, Lemon from Def Poetry, Tito Puente Jr., Bocafloja, and Readnex Poetry Squad. His talent has taken him on multiple nationwide tours in the United States, as well as to Europe, South America, and New Zealand.
WRCA’s 2025 concert series has been made possible thanks to the support of:
Wallkill River Center for the Arts programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
