Upcoming Concerts

First concerts of Café Central at La Cátedra del Ateneo.
Calle del Prado, 21, 28014, Madrid

Joshua Edelman - piano
Saúl Santolaria - vocals
Adrián Zarrabeitia - trombone
Loisel Machín - double bass
Richard Pacheco - congas

We are honored to kick off our Café Central programming at La Cátedra del Ateneo with the musician who has performed most frequently at our old venue. Over nearly 800 nights, he has offered a unique presence that blends elegance, sensitivity, and mastery. His fusion of the Manhattan style with Latin jazz has opened new horizons for audiences, and his intelligent, profound approach to jazz has made each concert a memorable experience.

“I have a very long love affair with Latin jazz, which I caught in my native Manhattan in the 1970s. The passion for this music has been one of the driving forces of my professional life and has led me, over decades, to an intensive schedule of recordings and concerts. After nearly forty years performing regularly on the stage of the legendary Café Central, it brings me immense joy that the Central has overcome all adversities to continue in this new location. And of course, it is an honor to inaugurate this new chapter with this band.” Joshua Edelman

Yuley Díaz - piano
Yelsy Heredia - double bass
Georvis Pico - drums
Inor Sotolongo - percussion

Yuley Díaz, a Cuban pianist and composer based in Madrid. Her project combines arrangements and original compositions with an elegant, jazz-oriented, and theatrical approach. With roots in Cuban music and a solid classical background enriched by Latin jazz, her music—imbued with a feminine sensibility—is expressed with delicacy and emotion. Accompanied by a trio of exceptional musicians, Yelsy Heredia, Georvis Pico, and Inor Sotolongo, she is able to connect with diverse audiences and transform each space into an emotional experience.

First concerts of Café Central at La Cátedra del Ateneo.
Calle del Prado, 21, 28014, Madrid

Jorge Pardo - flute, sax
Jerónimo Maya - flamenco guitar
Bandolero - percussion

On this first night of Café Central at La Cátedra del Ateneo, the second concert of the evening will be led by the Jorge Pardo Trio, with a proposal that fuses flamenco and jazz.

Jorge Pardo, born in Madrid, is a benchmark as a composer and performer on flute and saxophone, and a pioneer in integrating flamenco into these instruments alongside figures such as Camarón de la Isla and Paco de Lucía. Since 1979, he has participated in landmark albums such as La leyenda del tiempo, being key in the development of “flamenco jazz.” With more than twenty albums as a leader, he was recognized as Best European Jazz Musician by the French Jazz Academy for Huellas (2013). Additionally, he received the National Music Award in 2015 and was awarded the American Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album in 2020 for his participation in Antidote, by Chick Corea & The Spanish Heart Band.

He is accompanied by Jerónimo Maya, a guitarist of great personality and virtuosity, recognized for his ability to expand the language of flamenco, and Bandolero, a percussionist with an extensive career, noted for his energy, rhythmic precision, and stage presence, regularly collaborating with major figures and international festivals.

A concert that proposes a meeting between tradition and innovation, with three musicians exploring new sonic frontiers from flamenco.

Mario Siles - guitar
Guillem Ferrer - sax
Carmen Vela - flute, clarinet
Dani García - drums
David Herrington - tuba

With more than 15 years on the music scene, Jazz on Five has established itself as the leading group in the “jazz güateque” genre. They promise fun…

Leo Minax - guitar, vocals
Germán Kucich - piano
Toño Miguel - double bass
David Gadea - percussion

Brazilian composer Leo Minax returns to the legendary Café Central on April 27, performing in quartet format alongside Germán Kucich on piano, Antonio “Toño” Miguel on double bass, and David Gadea on percussion. In the repertoire, Minax presents his well-known songs along with many previously unreleased compositions. Brazilian rhythms that constantly seek the freedom of jazz, energy, and the boldness of more experimental music within the song format. A seductive and unique project, highlighting the originality of the performance, the beauty of the compositions, and the chemistry and talent of the musicians accompanying the artist.

Leo Minax is undoubtedly one of the major names among Brazilian musicians of his generation. He has lived in Madrid for many years and has released eleven original albums, with different approaches and formations. His career is associated with names such as Toninho Horta, Vitor Ramil, Javier Ruibal, Miguel Poveda, Ronaldo Bastos, Suso Saiz, and Moska, among other great artists, as collaborators or co-authors. His music has been recorded by Jorge Drexler, Brazilian artist Joyce Moreno, and Spanish singer Ana Belén.

Minax has performed in many countries and has composed alongside major artists. He is also developing a project with the quintet of Danish musician Steen Rasmussen, with whom he has been collaborating actively in recent years.

“…Leo does it organically, and the rhythmic complexity is almost imperceptible—the refined music that flows from his guitar and his impeccable performance. The absurdly poetic lyrics go down like water through the throat of the ears. His current work undoubtedly reaches the maturity of that search. And, with the luminous chemistry of his acoustic trio, presents a stimulating sound full of creative adventure.” Chico Amaral

“Innovative, creative, a master of composition, fully in tune with his time, Leo Minax brings us the conviction that composition is something transformative, always (…).” Lô Borges

“(…) The trio opens and closes like a valve, tightening around Minax, then releasing him again, but always in support of the songs. It’s a tough balance: finding the freedom of improvised music while maintaining the calm control required by a singer-songwriter. Jazz, pop, and chamber music come together in this delicate balancing act.” Leo Sidran

Astrid Jones - vocals
Carlos Bratt - guitar
Carlos Soria - bass
Arnaldo Lescay - drums
Ernesto Millán - sax, keyboards

“Shine!”. It’s a statement of intent. A call to SHINE. With her new album, Astrid Jones & The Blue Flaps invite us to bring light to our personal story, to what defines who we are, and to embrace the beauty and strength that come from that awareness. A unique blend of multiple identities that musically translates into a combination of rhythms, harmonies, and melodies evoking soul, jazz, reggae, and African rhythms, with an elegant and very personal sound.

David Pastor - trumpet
Bobby Martínez - sax
Germán Kucich - piano
Francisco López “Loque” - double bass
César de Frías - drums

International trumpeter David Pastor releases Dizzyness, his 14th album, recorded live at the Abraxas Theater in Augsburg (Germany). This work is a tribute to Dizzy Gillespie, a jazz legend and bebop revolutionary whose influence marked a before and after in the history of music.

“Paying tribute to Dizzy is a task that inspires both vertigo and respect in equal measure,” says David Pastor. With more than three decades of career, Pastor is an international reference in trumpet and a master at reviving the essence of jazz with passion, impeccable technique, and a deep respect for tradition. Dizzyness is much more than a tribute: it is a vibrant celebration of jazz heritage.

Enrique Rodríguez “Enriquito” - trumpet
Pablo M. Caminero - double bass
Daniel G. Diego - piano
Michael Olivera - drums

Flamenco Standards is an initiative by trumpeter Enrique Rodríguez and double bassist Pablo Martín Caminero, two leading figures in flamenco jazz. The project is based on a repertoire of flamenco classics —such as Lo bueno y lo malo by Ray Heredia, or La leyenda del tiempo, popularized by Camarón and produced by Ricardo Pachón— treated as authentic jazz standards.

This vision was captured in their first album, Flamenco Standards Vol. 1. On this occasion, the group is joined by two of the most active and renowned musicians on the current scene: Daniel García Diego and Michael Olivera.

Anita Donndorff - vocals
Lucio Lupano - guitar
Francisco Loque - double bass
Juanma Barroso - drums

Anita Donndorff is an Argentine singer and songwriter who has gained recognition in contemporary vocal jazz, blending the genre’s tradition with Latin American influences.

She studied at the Escuela de Música Contemporánea (EMC) in Buenos Aires and began establishing herself in the local scene, performing at well-known venues such as Bebop Club and Thelonious Club. In 2023, she moved to New York, where she has remained highly active, collaborating with internationally renowned musicians such as Peter Bernstein, Ed Cherry, and Saul Rubin.

Her debut album, Thirsty Soul, was recorded between Buenos Aires and New York. Produced by bassist Paul Sikivie, the record brings together elements of traditional jazz and swing, Latin rhythms such as bolero and tango, as well as interpretations of standards and original compositions.

Cris López - vocals
Humberto Rios - piano
Yandy Martínez - double bass
David Fernández - drums
Guest artists:
Romi Desiré - backing vocals
Roque Martínez - sax

Songs I Love: A tribute to the great divas of blues, jazz, and soul.

With 30 years of experience on stage, Cris López has established herself as one of the most powerful, versatile, and expressive voices of her generation. Trained in an international gospel choir and rooted in Chicago blues, her career spans blues, jazz, and soul with authenticity, elegance, and a deep connection to African American music.

In Songs I Love, Cris explores the great voices and compositions that have shaped history—from Ella Fitzgerald to Etta James, from Billie Holiday to Anita Baker—offering a tribute full of sensitivity, precision, and emotion. On stage, she guides the audience through a journey across time and genres, where styles evolve and influence one another, revealing part of music history and perhaps reflecting our own story as well.

First concerts of Café Central at La Cátedra del Ateneo.
Calle del Prado, 21, 28014, Madrid

Cecilia Krull - vocals
Carlos Sarduy - trumpet
Luis Guerra - piano
Francisco López “Loque” - double bass
Alberto Brenes - drums

First concerts of Café Central at La Cátedra del Ateneo.

Cecilia Krull has earned gold records in countries such as France and double platinum in Italy, becoming number 1 on global viral charts thanks to “My Life Is Going On,” the soundtrack of the hit series La Casa de Papel.

She is one of the most recognized singers on the national scene within the new generation of jazz musicians. Her voice, velvety and distinctive, combines talent, skill, and elegance, always leaving an unforgettable impression on those who listen to her.

On this occasion, she will delight us with a varied repertoire ranging from pure jazz to bossa nova, French chanson, and some bolero, demonstrating the versatility that characterizes this Madrid-born singer of diverse roots (France, Cuba, Germany, and Spain), for whom the most important thing is to sing songs and tell stories.

José Luis Gutiérrez - sax
Senda Romero - double bass
Tommy Caggiani - drums

With more than 100 concerts at Café Central, he has become one of the venue’s most beloved artists. José Luis Gutiérrez is a true force of music. He moves, stirs, and deeply touches his audience. A thrilling performer with a constant taste for surprise, his concerts are unpredictable journeys that immerse listeners in one of the most personal sound worlds in contemporary jazz.

For many years, José Luis celebrated the arrival of the new year with us; we have had to move this date forward so he can say goodbye to his friends at Central.

First concerts of Café Central at La Cátedra del Ateneo.
Calle del Prado, 21, 28014, Madrid

Lluís Coloma - piano
Kid Carlos - guitar
Manolo Germán - double bass
Arnau Julià - drums

25 years of music
Blues & Boogie Woogie & Jazz and more

Twenty-five years ago, Lluís Coloma began a musical journey that has taken him to the most important stages around the world within the Blues and Boogie Woogie piano scene. In addition, he has done so by creating his own personal and unique musical language.

A restless musician, he is currently in a moment of creative explosion in his career, breaking musical schemes and boundaries. A turning point, where he naturally creates pieces that sound organic and original. Compositions that evoke an epic, cinematic imagination… that take you out of conceptual thinking and transport you directly and involuntarily to a sensitive and dynamic dimension. All of them connected by the common thread of Blues and a shared rhythmic pulse, which feels driving even in slow tempos.

Captivating and danceable music, with a clear and forceful language, crafted with care and full of details, making it rich in sensations and nuances; rooted in the traditions of Blues, Boogie Woogie, Rock & Roll, Classical Music, and Country Music… which are simply the starting point for exploring new paths that lead to unexplored sonic spaces.

Israel Sandoval - guitar, composition
Víctor Merlo - bass
Jorge Vera - piano
Miguel Lamas - drums

Israel Sandoval Fusion Band, formed by Israel Sandoval, Miguel Lamas, José Vera, and Víctor Merlo, performs original music composed by Israel Sandoval, characterized by a sound full of groove, interaction, and energy.

The project is rooted in contemporary jazz and fusion, with its own musical language that blends elements of jazz, funk, and rock, resulting in a powerful and current sound with a strong rhythmic identity and a clear focus on live performance.

Carsten Dahl - piano
Daniel Franck - double bass
Martin Andersen - drums

Poetic, moving, full of swing, wild, and polyphonic.

Carsten Dahl Trio is a musical collective that moves freely, like the creation of small paintings where the image guides interpretation and one simply acts and responds with color and brush. Making music together in such an open and vibrant way requires a willingness to come apart without falling to pieces, surrendering to the music without ego and without aiming for anything beyond being carried by the flow.

The trio constantly seeks a collective balance, driven forward by the unbreakable inner need of its three musicians, as well as their mutual understanding to create music in the moment.

Their performances include both original compositions and well-known standards treated with care. All of this comes together through strong and open communication, grounded in deep tradition and innovation, along with a virtuosic ability to create living compositions in the moment alongside an engaged audience. They have performed to critical acclaim in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Liechtenstein, Portugal, and Spain.

In 2026, the trio will embark on an extensive European tour, including a stop at Café Central Ateneo.

Roberto Carcassés - piano
Yelsy Heredia - double bass
Pedro Pablo Rodríguez - percussion

The ensemble draws inspiration from and preserves the sound and melodies of the 1940s and 1950s. At the club, they will take the audience on a journey through different genres of Cuban music such as changüí, danzón, Latin jazz, bolero, and rumba.

Álvaro Torres - piano
Masa Kamaguchi - double bass
Jeff Williams - drums

Álvaro Torres’ trio is establishing itself as one of the most interesting proposals in contemporary jazz in New York.

“Masterfully unpredictable… Extraordinary.” — All About Jazz
★ ★ ★ ★

Backed by the iconic labels Sunnyside Records and Fresh Sound Records, they have released their fifth album, Mairena, and have performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the city, such as The Jazz Gallery and Mezzrow. They have also brought their original music to festivals in Spain and Mexico.

With a style that blends post-bop, improvisation, and elements of Spanish folklore, their music has received critical acclaim. Álvaro Torres has been described as “One of the great future promises of the genre.” — La Razón

Torres has collaborated with true New York legends such as Barry Altschul, Nasheet Waits, Francisco Mela, Tony Malaby, John Hébert, Chris Lightcap, Jeff Hirshfield, and Bill McHenry.

On this occasion, he is joined by the legendary New York drummer Jeff Williams and Japanese double bassist Masa Kamaguchi, both key figures on the European scene with a deep connection to New York jazz.

First concerts of Café Central at La Cátedra del Ateneo.
Calle del Prado, 21, 28014, Madrid

Sheila Blanco - vocals
Federico Lechner - piano
Tomás Merlo - double bass
José San Martín - drums

The group was born as a musical laboratory to blend the worlds of Jazz and Tango, using some traditional tangos, some iconic jazz standards, and some original compositions created from the very spirit of this fusion.

For this new project, the very special guest soloist is singer Sheila Blanco, a versatile and highly talented artist, with a strong stage presence and deep knowledge of both jazz and tango.

The result is a program that brings together classic tangos, original compositions, and jazz standards, all with an innovative range of colors, where the voice is not limited to singing the lyrics but sometimes joins the improvisational celebration as another instrument. A unique, high-quality proposal that is also suitable for all audiences.

First concerts of Café Central at La Cátedra del Ateneo.
Calle del Prado, 21, 28014, Madrid

Ulf Wakenius - guitar
Ignasi Terraza - piano
Special guest:
Reico Fujisaki - vocals

The duo formed by Ignasi Terraza and Ulf Wakenius performs the music of the legendary Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson, following the celebration of his centenary, with a project that combines original compositions with pieces from the historic Peterson-Joe Pass duo.

The connection of these two musicians with Oscar Peterson is deep and personal. Ulf Wakenius had the privilege of being part of Peterson’s group during the last decade of his career, taking his guitar to stages around the world alongside the master. For his part, Ignasi Terraza has found in Oscar Peterson an inexhaustible source of inspiration since the beginning of his career, reflecting in his style the energy, creativity, and elegance that defined the Canadian pianist.

Together, these two exceptional musicians offer a vibrant and personal reinterpretation of Oscar Peterson’s universe, celebrating his legacy with their own singular voice and keeping alive the spirit of swing and improvisation that characterized him.

A unique opportunity to relive the magic of the Peterson-Joe Pass duo through two virtuosos who have embraced his legacy and projected it into the present. The concert will also feature the talented Japanese singer Reico Fujisaki, who will add her unique voice to the evening’s repertoire.