The legendary percussionist Sammy Figueroa and His Latin Jazz Explosion announced that they will be performing at Columbus, Ohio’s Jazz and Rib Fest, on July 22nd, 2007. Now in its 28th year, this festival is one of the most important jazz gatherings in the world.
 
 The band will be playing music from their Grammy-nominated first album And Sammy Walked In, and their recently released second album, The Magician (both on Savant Records).
 
 After years of playing with artists such as Miles Davis, Brecker Brothers, Sonny Rollins, and Michel Camilo, not to mention pop stars such as Mariah Carey, David Bowie, and Chaka Khan, Sammy Figueroa has emerged with his own voice, a charismatic percussionist surrounded by a group of super-players.

Members of Sammy’s virtuoso ensemble include Robby Ameen on drums, Silvano Monasterios on piano, Gaby Vivas on bass and John Michalak on saxophone. Trumpet player Brian Lynch, well-known for his work with Eddie Palmieri and his own group, Spheres Of Influence, will be joining the Explosion on several numbers.
 
 Sammy and the band will be performing in downtown Columbus at the Riverfront Amphitheatre from 4 PM to 5:30 PM, preceding the annual Rib Awards and a performance by the fantastic singer/pianist Diane Schuur. Admission is free but come early as this show is expected to draw a very large crowd.
 
 http://www.hotribscooljazz.org.