Sal Ferreras, percussion / vocalist
Sal Ferreras has enjoyed a varied and diverse career as a performing artist and producer, educator, and artistic administrator. His music, dance, and theatre performances and collaborations in classical music, world music, jazz, new music, indigenous music, improvisation, folk, and children’s music have taken him around the world. He was principal percussionist of the CBC Vancouver Orchestra under maestro Mario Bernardi and has toured and recorded as a member of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, Viveza and the World Drums percussion orchestra. During the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games he was the artistic director of the highly successful Four Host First Nations Aboriginal Pavilion.
Sal was inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2002 and awarded the City of Vancouver’s Mayor’s Award for Music in 2010. He has performed on Juno and Grammy-winning recordings with diverse artists, including k.d. lang, Chicago, Robbie Robertson, Raffi, Colin James, Hedley and Viveza in addition to the CBC Radio Orchestra, and the luminary musicians who share tonight’s stage.
Adonis Puentes, vocalist
Adonis Puentes is a name that resonates with warmth and rhythm. Born in the vibrant town of Artemisa, Cuba, music flows through his veins, thanks to his father, Valentin Puentes, a respected musician and teacher. It’s no surprise that Adonis picked up a guitar at just six years old, joining his father’s children’s ensemble where he first learned to express himself through music.
Fast forward to 14, and Adonis was crafting his own original songs. His early creations were just a taste of the poetic and sensuous song cycles that would later define his independently released albums. In 1998, Adonis took a big leap and moved to Canada. But instead of leaving his passion behind, he embraced it wholeheartedly. He continued to refine his craft, composing, performing, and touring, sharing his unique sound with audiences far and wide.
With the highly anticipated release of his third self-composed album in late 2025, fans can look forward to another chapter in his evolving sound. This will be his fifth independent release.
With every note, Adonis invites listeners on a journey that reflects his rich cultural roots and personal experiences, making his artistry feel both intimate and universal. Whether he’s singing a soft ballad or a lively tune, you can feel the passion and authenticity in every performance. If you haven’t yet discovered his music, you’re in for a treat—Adonis Puentes is a true gem in the world of music!
Miguelito Valdés, trumpet
Described as one of Cuba’s most highly regarded trumpet players of his generation, Miguelito Valdés has performed with many of Cuba’s top performers, including the Cabaret Tropicana Orquesta, Pablo Milanés, Isaac Delgado, Mayito Rivera, Klimax, Chucho Valdés.
In 2000, he began playing with Omara Portuondo (Diva singer of Buena Vista Social Club) touring the world for six years. He has also played with important jazz musicians abroad, including Michael Brecker, Herbie Hancock, John Patitucci, Danilo Pérez, Wayne Shorter, and many others.
