Canadian National Jazz Composer of the Year... NOW magazine cover story... Havana jazz festival feature performer. Multi-award winning, Trinidadian-born latin-jazz trumpeter Nick “the brownman” Ali brings his all-star salsa unit MARRÓN MATIZADO to Lula. Drawing on years of playing in horn sections of countless Latin groups (including the legendary IRAKERE while in Cuba), he now directs and orchestrates for his all-star salsa unit - MARRÓN MATIZADO. Called "Toronto's salsa dream-team" by Picante Latin Xpress magazine, MATIZADO uses members of the award-winning latin-jazz unit CRUZAO as it's core and features the slick vocals of Ricky Franco from QUIMICA PERFECTA, Juan Carlos Cardenas from CACHE and Alex Naar from FITO BLANKO. The unit is co-led by Marrón's equally recognizable younger brother Marcus Ali - alto saxophonist for Banda Bella, Anthony V and Juan Miguel and also features the dynamic conga work of 2001 National Jazz Award Nominee for "percussionist of the year" Luisito Orbegoso and the spectacular drumming of Cuban monster Chendy Leon.

MARRÓN MATIZADO tackles modern progressive salsa in a way that this country has never seen before. Bringing elements of funk, jazz, and hip-hop to the table the unit creates a high-energy whirlwind of modern salsa. Blending driving salsa rhythms with musical sophistication, Afro-groove arrangements and rich vocal harmonies are what makes this unit irresistible.

Before the show, join Dancer and Choreographer Ana Machado for Lula’s Salsa Dance Class@ 9pm Serious dancers and beginners alike! No partner necessary! For Dance Info Check Out: http://www.ana-salsa.com/