Turn up the rhythm with new Latin collection at Judson's Live
Curated lineup brings together Latin music, jazz and global sounds from acclaimed artists including Santiago Cruz, Nestor Torres, Tito Puente Jr. and Harold López-Nussa
Orlando, FL — Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is introducing a new Latin Collection at Judson’s Live, bringing together artists whose music reflects the diverse traditions, rhythms and cultural influences of Latin communities around the world.
The new collection offers audiences an opportunity to experience a range of Latin sounds in the intimate setting of Judson’s Live. From Afro-Cuban rhythms and Argentine jazz to contemporary Latin pop, singer-songwriters and celebrated Latin jazz artists, the collection brings together established and emerging voices representing different generations, countries and musical traditions.
The collection begins Sept. 15 with OKAN, an Afro-Cuban ensemble known for blending traditional Cuban music with jazz, folkloric influences and contemporary sounds. The group’s performance brings together batá drums, violin and powerful vocals for an immersive celebration of Cuban musical traditions.
On Sept. 18, the Pablo Aragona Quintet returns to Judson’s Live with contemporary Argentine jazz, followed by Colombian singer-songwriter Santiago Cruz on Sept. 24-25. With a career spanning more than 20 years, nine studio albums and six Latin Grammy nominations, Cruz brings his Sigo En Pie Tour to Orlando, connecting contemporary Latin pop and songwriting with audiences around the world.
The collection continues with the Dimas Sanchez Afro-Latin Jazz Project on Oct. 13 and Mexican singer-songwriter El David Aguilar on Nov. 15.
In December, two generations of Latin jazz come together for The Kings of Latin Jazz: Tito Puente, Jr. and Nestor Torres – Together! on Dec. 26-27. The collaboration brings the legacy of Tito Puente together with the acclaimed sound of Grammy Award-winning flutist Nestor Torres for two nights at Judson’s Live. The Don Soledad Group Featuring Laura Pirela follows Dec. 30.
The collection continues into 2027 with acclaimed Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa on Jan. 23 and Puerto Rican cuatro virtuoso Fabiola Méndez on May 1, further expanding the collection's range of Latin and Caribbean musical traditions.
"At Dr. Phillips Center, we believe the performing arts create opportunities for people to connect through culture, creativity and shared experiences," said Foster Cronin, vice president of programming and education at Dr. Phillips Center. "This collection brings together artists from across the Latin music landscape, giving audiences an opportunity to experience different sounds, stories and traditions in one of the most intimate spaces in Orlando."
Upcoming Shows:
- OKAN — Sept. 15, 2026
- Pablo Aragona Quintet — Sept. 18, 2026
- Santiago Cruz – Sigo En Pie Tour — Sept. 24-25, 2026
- Dimas Sanchez Afro-Latin Jazz Project — Oct. 13, 2026
- El David Aguilar — Nov. 15, 2026
- The Kings of Latin Jazz: Tito Puente, Jr. and Nestor Torres – Together! — Dec. 26-27, 2026
- Don Soledad Group Featuring Laura Pirela — Dec. 30, 2026
- Harold López-Nussa — Jan. 23, 2027
- Fabiola Méndez — May 1, 2027
Experience Latin music at Judson’s Live. From folk roots and Afro-Caribbean rhythms to contemporary songwriting and Latin jazz, the collection brings the sounds of culture to the intimate Judson’s Live stage.
To learn more about these performances and purchase tickets, visit drphillipscenter.org.