A Benefit Jam Session for Pianist Hilton Ruiz

Thursday, June 01 2006 @ 10:48 PM EDT

Contributed by: WMC_News_Dept.

New York City Latin music and Jazz artists will get together to raise funds for Hilton Ruiz. Famed Puerto Rican/New York composer, pianist and Jazz musician Hilton Ruiz is in a coma at a New Orleans hospital Intensive Care Unit with severe trauma to the face and a fractured skull. The circumstances surrounding this tragic incident are under investigation by the New Orleans Police Department.

In the meanwhile, Ruiz’s family and friends are reaching out for assistance in getting the internationally acclaimed artist back to New York for treatment. In that effort, an after-work benefit jam session will be held in Hilton Ruiz’s honor to assist the family with the enormous medical expenses. Confirmed guest performers include Zon del Barrio (6 pm); Chembo Corniel and Choworo (8 pm) and Willie Martinez and “La Familia Sextet” (10 pm). Hilton Ruiz’ music and videos will be playing during the breaks.

The even will be held Tuesday, June 6, 2006 from 5:00 PM - Midnight at LQ’s, 511 Lexington Avenue (between 48th & 49th Streets)-New York City. Phone: (212) 593-7575.

Musicians wishing to participate in “A Benefit Jam Session for Hilton Ruiz” should call event organizer and family spokesperson Eddie Rodriguez at 917-678-6695 to be placed on the Musicians Guest list.

Hilton Ruiz’s daughter, Aida Ruiz, reported on Friday May 26th that “my dad opened his eyes for the first time today”. Since then she has seen his arm move as well as his legs.

Hilton’s doctor said that he would need a miracle to ever play the piano again. However, in light of Aida’s last call “Our prayers for Hilton’s recovery are working,” said promoter Eddie Rodriguez.

This event will help pay for the huge medical expenses involved with transporting Hilton to a New Your Hospital via an Airplane Ambulance. Although unable to transport Hilton right away, his doctors will release him for hospitalization in New York once his condition is more stable.

This event is sponsored by LQ’s and Latin Works Music. All donations are to be made payable to Aida Ruiz (check preferred). For further information call: Latin Works Music 917-678-6695.