Caminos live at Con Alma
Jun
14

Caminos live at Con Alma

Caminos will be performing at Con Alma, one of the most cohesive and welcoming venues for jazz in Pittsburgh. This time we will have some of the finest in town: Mike Tomaro saxophones, Joe Sheehan keys, Siheng Ten bass and Hugo Cruz, drums, vocals. Caminos will be performing music from our firs album and some new tunes.

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Caminos Cuban way
Jun
15

Caminos Cuban way

This june 15th Caminos will be celebrating Father’s Day at Kingfly Spirits, another special place for music in Pittsburgh.

This time we will have Jose Puentes on bass, Noel Quintana conga drums, Eric Winter vocals + percussion, Mike Tomaro Saxophones and Hugo Cruz percussion and vocals. The music will be focus in some of the cuban most famous songs and some originals from Caminos. Definitely a special night at Kingfly.

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Caminos Live at River View
Jun
21

Caminos Live at River View

Caminos trio will be performing in this concert seris that the City of Pittsburgh putted together. This trio will have some of the finest and itll be the first time we play Cami nos music with this formation. Mike Tomaro saxophones, Siheng Ten bass and Hugo Cruz drums, percussion and Vocals.

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The Voice of drums live at City of Asylum
Jun
25

The Voice of drums live at City of Asylum

We are so looking forward to bring a very successful concert serie to City of Asylum. The voice of drums is an idea of Hugo Cruz and the focus is to invite some of the notables drums set players and musicians in town to perform with Hugo Cruz and Caminos, this project had some great years at Kingfly Spirits and now Hugo is bringing it to City of Asylum. This time Caminos will be featuring the father of jazz in Pittsburgh, the legendary drummer Roger humphries. Roger and Hugo will be performing somne songs from the americam and Cuban song book in a unique mix of Afroamerican and Afrocuban beats. This concert will have some great musicians joining Roger and Hugo: Lou Stellute sax, Max Leake piano and Siheng Ten bass. A unique night full of music and histories from the host and special guest.

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Caminos quartet live
Jun
1

Caminos quartet live

This is a concert series call Stay Longer,. This concert series is presented by Sandbox Social. Caminos quartet will be performing with: Eric Winter vocals + percussion, Joe Sheehan keys, Brian Stahurski Bass and Hugo Cruz drums set + Vocals. Foods and drinks available by donation. The chef will be Phillip de Luna. OPEN TO EVERYONE, with suggested donation of $15

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Cuban Percussion Workshop
May
29

Cuban Percussion Workshop

Program Type:

Workshop on percussion instruments and the Music they where first use.

Age Group: Everyone

Program Description: Workshop about some of the must cuban percussion instruments used in many styles of music around the world. We will have 30 minutes for a Q&A afterr the workshop.

Event Details

History and Exploration of Cuban Percussion
Join Cuban drummer, musician and composer Hugo Cruz for an evening centered around the heartbeat of Cuban music: Cuban percussion! Maracas, güiro, claves, bongos, congas, and the timbales. Hugo will present a multimedia workshop showcasing and demonstrating the instruments behind popular music styles such as son montuno, danzon, Trova, jazz, jazz fusion, world music, Cuban jazz, merengue, bachata, bomba, plena, bossa nova, pop, funk, R&B and more. For music novices and aficionados, come learn about the rich history and role of these drums in Cuban, Afro Cuban, and American music styles. A Q&A will follow the presentation. 

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Cuban Night
May
18

Cuban Night

The Cuban Night is a monthly concert series at Kingfly Spirits where Hugo Cruz and Caminos brings the traditional cuban music in a un unique way. We always have some of the best musicians performing with us. This time we will have: Mike Tomaro sax, Eric Winter vocals and percussion, Jose Puentes bass, Joe Sheehan keys, Noel Quintana conga drums, Hugo Cruz timbales and vocals. We are Looking Forward to seeing you all.

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Caminos live in Cumberland
May
10

Caminos live in Cumberland

Feature Concert of the annual Downtown Cumberland Jazz Crawl , presented by the Cumberland Jazz Society and the Allegany Arts Council.

Caminos fuse rhythms and melodies of Afro-Cuban, Cuban, jazz, funk, and R&B music styles, in an original contemporary expression that honors traditional Cuban form.

Hugo Alexander Cruz Machado is a Cuban-born, award-winning, drummer and composer who has performed internationally, including South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Mexico, Chile, Venezuela, and the United States. Hugo is the leader of the jazz fusion music group Caminos, who have made appearances at Fábrica de Artes in Havana, Cuba, Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival 2019, Carnegie Museum of Art, City of Asylum, Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall, Westylvania Jazz and Blues Festival, and the Monroeville Jazz Festival, among many others.

In February 2022, Hugo Cruz released his first original album, Punto de Partida, with the group Caminos, featuring notable musicians from Cuba and the U.S.

From December 2022 through August 2024, Caminos hosted a lively monthly concert series called The Voice of Drums at Kingfly Spirits, which featured mostly Pittsburgh-based drummers and musicians spanning genres and cultures to join Caminos in a fresh and original expression of each other’s music. We will have some of the finest performing for you on the 10th: Mike Tomaro Sax, Eli Namay bass, Matthew Heulitt guitar, Craig Davis keys and Hugo Cruz percussion, Drums set and Vocals.

Tickets only $20!

Buy Tickets

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Mike Tomaro Quartet
May
9

Mike Tomaro Quartet

  • 613 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA, 15222 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

looking forward to seeing you all on this date at Con Alma. This time joining Mike’s quartet for the first time. Don’t miss it, is going to be a beautiful time

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AAMI Presents: A Loving Memorial Tribute to Ahmad Jamal
Apr
26

AAMI Presents: A Loving Memorial Tribute to Ahmad Jamal

Saturday, April 26, 2025
4:00pm

Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
Tickets: $35 

BUY TICKETS HERE! 

Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of one of jazz’s greatest legends.

Born in East Liberty, legendary jazz pianist and composer Ahmad Jamal transformed the genre with his distinctive style, earning both the National Endowment for the Arts’ Jazz Master Award and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His innovative approach influenced generations of musicians, including Miles Davis.

Jamal’s roots in Pittsburgh ran deep. He first studied piano as a child at the Dawson School of Music, just blocks from where the Afro American Music Institute (AAMI) stands today. Over the years, he maintained a close connection to AAMI, forming a bond with the Johnson family after hiring their son, James T. Johnson III, to play drums for him in the 1990s at the recommendation of Dr. Nelson Harrison.

AAMI honors his legacy with an unforgettable evening of music, celebrating his artistry through performances by a stellar lineup of musicians.

Featuring: Dr. James T. Johnson Jr., Howard Alexander III; Clifford Barnes and Dr. Alton Merrell on piano; Benjamin May on bass; Dr. Nelson Harrison on brass; Hugo Cruz and  Elie Kihonia on percussion and James Johnson III on drums.

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Aurora live at Con Alma
Apr
15

Aurora live at Con Alma

Aurora is a band that plays fusion music from the 70 to today. This band has some of the most stablished musicians in the area. The group is led by guitarist, composer, educator, producer Marty Ashby. Hugo Cruz will join the band on drums and we will like to see you there.

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Cuban Night
Apr
13

Cuban Night

  • 2613 Smallman Street Pittsburgh, PA, 15222 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This will be our monthly performance at Kingfly Spirits, we normally do it on the thirds Sundas but this month will be on the second Sunday. We will be performing our original cuban music and some traditional songs from the Island. We will have: Mike Tomaro sax and Vocals, Jose Layo Bass and Vocals, Joe Sheehan keys, Noel Quintana conga drums and vocals, Eric Winter vocals and percussion, Hugo Cruz percussion and Vocals. W e are looking forward to seeing you there.

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Caminos fusion live
Apr
12

Caminos fusion live

Caminos fusion band will be bringing our original music to Con Alma. We will have some special musicians this night: Siheng Ten bass, Colter Harper guitar and Hugo Cruz on drums, singing. Don’t miss a unique night at Con Alma

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La Voz que Soy
Apr
5

La Voz que Soy

  • 5530 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA, 15206 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

KST Presents

La Voz que Soy

Friday & Saturday, April 4* – 5*, 2025 | *with discussion  
7:30pm – 9:00pm
(including discussion)

KST’s Alloy Studios | 5530 Penn Ave.
Pay What Moves You: $15 – $30

Hugo Cruz is looking forward to share the stage with Zuli Inirio and Amaury Morales


buy TICKETS HERE!

La Voz que Soy, or The Voice I Am, is Afro-Latina soprano Zuly Inirio’s reinterpretation of the 1958 French opera La voix humaine. This multidisciplinary performance-in-progress uses the opera’s original framework—revisiting her past love through a final phone call—to explore colonialism, double consciousness, Black womanhood, and the African diaspora’s legacy. By intertwining these issues with the opera’s original themes of loss, assimilation, and the cost of self-preservation, La Voz que Soy highlights Zuly’s journey as a Black Latinx woman. The piece invites audiences into meaningful conversations about identity, resilience, and the shared experiences that connect us across diverse backgrounds.

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Zuly Inirio Concert
Apr
4

Zuly Inirio Concert

  • 5530 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA, 15206 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

La Voz que Soy

Friday & Saturday, April 4* – 5*, 2025 | *with discussion  
7:30pm – 9:00pm
(including discussion)

KST’s Alloy Studios | 5530 Penn Ave.
Pay What Moves You: $15 – $30.

Hugo Cruz is looking forward to these two performances with Zuly Inirio and Amaury Morales.

La Voz que Soy

Friday & Saturday, April 4* – 5*, 2025 | *with discussion  
7:30pm – 9:00pm
(including discussion)

KST’s Alloy Studios | 5530 Penn Ave.
Pay What Moves You: $15 – $30

buy TICKETS HERE!

La Voz que Soy, or The Voice I Am, is Afro-Latina soprano Zuly Inirio’s reinterpretation of the 1958 French opera La voix humaine. This multidisciplinary performance-in-progress uses the opera’s original framework—revisiting her past love through a final phone call—to explore colonialism, double consciousness, Black womanhood, and the African diaspora’s legacy. By intertwining these issues with the opera’s original themes of loss, assimilation, and the cost of self-preservation, La Voz que Soy highlights Zuly’s journey as a Black Latinx woman. The piece invites audiences into meaningful conversations about identity, resilience, and the shared experiences that connect us across diverse backgrounds.

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Cuban Night
Mar
16

Cuban Night

The Cuban Night is a monthly performance where Caminos brings the Cuban culture, dance and music to Pittsburgh. We perform some of the cuban’s more famous songs and originals from band members and Hugo Cruz. This is a very unique way to enjoy the thirds Sundays, we are looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday. Nos Vemos

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Cuban Night
Feb
16

Cuban Night

The Cuban Night is a concert that Caminos does every third Sundays of the month. We always perform music from Cuba in a unique way and compositions by, Cruz, Tomaro and Puentes. We will have; Noel Quintana Conga Drums, Eric Winter Vocals and percussion, Joe Sheehan Keys, Jose Puentes bass and Mike Tomaro Saxophones.

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Caminos live at Con Alma
Feb
8

Caminos live at Con Alma

Caminos will be performing some of Hugo’s original compositions this Saturday February 8Th. We will have some of the finest performing for you: Mike Tomaro Saxophone, Mark Micchelli Keys and Siheng Ten Electric and Acoustic bass. Don’t miss a unique opportunity to listen original music with world taste and have fun with us singing alone with us.

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The Cuban Night
Jan
19

The Cuban Night

The Cuban Night is a monthly concert Caminos does at Kingfly spirits, the band performs originals and some jazz standards in a cuban music styles. Caminos will have: Mike Tomaro Vocals and Sax, Joe Sheehan keys, Jose Layo vocals and bas, Noel Quintana congas and vocals, Eric Winter vocals and percussion and Hugo Cruz percussion and Vocals

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Caminos Live
Dec
18

Caminos Live

Caminos is so looking forward to comeback to one of the best places in town, City of Asylum. This time we will perform some of our original music with surprises, you definately should not miss this concert., We will have some of the fin est young musisians in town, JD Chaisson trumpet, Mark Micchelli piano and Keys, Eli Namay acoustic and electric bass, Frank DiDiano electric guitar and Hugo Cruz drums set plus percussion. Get your free tickets here https://cityofasylum.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0FPa000001gUkHMAU

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Caminos Cuban Way Live
Dec
15

Caminos Cuban Way Live

  • 2613 Smallman Street Pittsburgh, PA, 15222 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Cuban Night is a concert series that Caminos has been doing for almost two years at Kingfly Spirits. Every third Sunday Caminos showcase some of of Cuban Music styles and Hugo Cruz compositions in these styles. We will have some of the finest musicians in town, Joe Sheehan keys, Mike Tomaro sax, Noel Quintana conga drums, Jose Layo Bass and Eric Winter vocals plus percussion. Come and celebrate with Caminos the last Cuban Night of 2024.

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Caminos Fusion Live
Dec
14

Caminos Fusion Live

This time Caminos will be presenting some of Hugo’s compositions plus some Christmas songs. Caminos will have some of the finest, Mike Tomaro Sax, Mark Micchelli Keys, Frank DiDiano electric guitar and Siheng Ten Bass.

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Tomaches Trio Live
Dec
7

Tomaches Trio Live

  • 616 North Highland Avenue Pittsburgh, PA, 15206 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Tomchess Trio live at the new Sprezzatura location. Tomchess will be performing on the Oud and Ney, Eli Namay will be on bass and Hugo Cruz drums set. This music is original, experimental and unique, writen by Tomchess.

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Suite Life 2024 | A Celebration of Billy Strayhorn & Gene Kelly
Nov
30

Suite Life 2024 | A Celebration of Billy Strayhorn & Gene Kelly

Hugo Cruz and Caminos is honored to be a part of “Suite Life,” a Pittsburgh tradition spanning 2 decades, celebrating the music and art of Pittsburgh natives Billy Strayhorn and Gene Kelly. Musical director Hugo Cruz electrifies the beloved jazz standards of Billy Strayhorn with fresh arrangements that incorporate Cuban and Afro Cuban melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, performed by vocalist Chantal Joseph, percussionist Degnis Bofill, saxophonist Mike Tomaro, pianist Joe Sheehan, bassist Brian Stahurski, and drummer Hugo Cruz.

From KST’s website:

Suite Life, KST’s annual celebration of namesakes and Pittsburgh entertainment legends Billy Strayhorn and Gene Kelly is back with a brand new beat! This Fall, musical director Hugo Cruz brings Latin percussion to Strayhorn’s music and imagery from Kelly’s film career. Directed by Fall 2023 Freshworks artist Pria Dahiya, the evening performance promises to invigorate your favorite jazz standards with fresh vitality.

Join us for an exclusive VIP Sound Check before the performance. With advanced concert seating, elevated hors d’oeuvres, a signature cocktail, and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Suite Life, the reception welcomes Jazz enthusiasts to mix and mingle at KST’s favorite Holiday Tradition.

VIP Sound check tickets: $100 – $200

Concert Tickets: $35 – $65

Find your tickets by clicking this link Get YOUR TICKETS HERE! 

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Light Up
Nov
23

Light Up

Hugo Cruz and Caminos will be performing in the Light Up Night on Stanwix St. Caminos will be bring it’s original music and it’s going to be an special night. We are going to have Mark Micchelli on Keys, Brian Stahurski Bass, Mike Tomaro sax and Noel Quintana Percussion. Thanks to Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership for having us

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Caminos Trio Live in The PHDC Building
Nov
14

Caminos Trio Live in The PHDC Building

  • 1555 Broadway Avenue Pittsburgh, PA, 15216 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This is a fundraiser event where Caminos trio will perform it’s original music. This fundraising event is a unique opportunity to demonstrate that, together, we can make a significant deference and continue building a equitable and prosperous future for the hispanic community in Pittsburgh, get your tickets here

We will have Frank DiDiano guitar

Jose Layo Bass

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Caminos Latin Way live
Nov
9

Caminos Latin Way live

This will be our monthly performance at Con Alma, one of the best jazz clubs in town. This time Caminos Cuban way will be performing cuban music in a unique way. We will have some of the finest, Jose Layo Bass, Joe Sheehan keys, Noel Quintana conga drums and Mike Tomaro sax. Don’t miss it.

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Caminos Latin Way live
Nov
8

Caminos Latin Way live

Hugo Cruz and Caminos is so exited to perform in the 2nd annual ¡Baila Con ALPFA! Do not miss our 2nd annual Baila con ALPFA event and our largest event of the year. This event has a little bit of everything. There will be Salsa lessons prior to Hugo Cruz and Caminos performing. Outside of dancing, there are exhibits dedicated to the Latin America, including their main exhibit featuring Haiti. In addition, enjoy great food and beverages!

¡Baila Con ALPFA! is ALPFA Pittsburgh’s annual celebration honoring the hard work and achievements of our Latinx/Hispanic community throughout the year. The event will bring together Latinx businesses and organizations for an evening of dance and entertainment. Our highlight of the night will be a performance by the renowned Hugo Cruz and Caminos band, along with dance instructors to keep the energy high. Tickets here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/baila-con-alpfa-tickets-1047442226897?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

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Aurora Live at Con Alma
Nov
5

Aurora Live at Con Alma

Aurora is a band led by guitarist, composer Marty Ashby, this band has some of the finest musicians in the area, such us: Max Leake keys, Mike Tomaro sax, Jeff Bush trombone, Brian Stahurski bass and Hugo Cruz on drums set

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Caminos Cuban way Live
Oct
20

Caminos Cuban way Live

This is a monthly concert Caminos does every third Sundays of the month at Kingfly Spirits. We play traditional Cuban Music on Hugo’s own compositions, honoring the music from Cuban in PA. this is the only place that happens in Pittsburgh so we want you to come and enjoy it. We will have Noel Quintana conga drums, Jose Layo bass, Joe Sheehan keys and Mike Tomaro Sax.

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Caminos Fusion band Live
Oct
12

Caminos Fusion band Live

This is a residency that Caminos is doing every second Saturdays at Con Alma. This time will be the fusion band where we play Hugo’s originals compositions that involves many music styles such us: Jazz, Latin Jazz, Afro Cuban Music, Fusion, RandB, Funk and more. We will have Mike Tomaro Sax, Mark Micchelli keys and Siheng Ten Bass. Don’t miss a unique time at Con Alma one of the best Jazz Clubs in town today.

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Ben Barson book presentation
Sep
29

Ben Barson book presentation

This concert is very exited and unique, i’m going to have the oportunity to perform with Ben, the person that did everything for me to be in USA today. This concert will be focus in Ben’s new book and you should not miss it.

Freedom of creative expression comes in many different forms. In his book Brassroots Democracy: Maroon Ecologies and the Jazz Commons, musician and activist Benjamin Barson explores one such form of expression: jazz music. The book dives into the birth of jazz, and unearths vibrant narratives of New Orleans musicians to illuminate the Black Atlantic struggles that informed music-as-world-making from the Haitian Revolution through Reconstruction to the jazz revolution. The work presents a “music history from below,” following musicians as they built communes, performed at Civil Rights rallies, and participated in general strikes, placing emphasis on the first emancipatory revolution in the Americas, and tracing the impact of Haitian culture in New Orleans and its legacy in movements for liberation.

This program will bring Ben’s research to life, as he takes the stage with a group of Pittsburgh and New York based musicians to reimagine the music discussed in the book and its resonance in our current moment.

You can purchase your own copy of Ben’s book, Brassroots Democracy, at City of Asylum Bookstore.

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