From Havana with Soul — Jíbaros de Cunagua Bring Cuban Jazz to San Miguel
On Thursday, April 16th at 5:00 PM, the Sala Quetzal at San Miguel de Allende’s Biblioteca Pública becomes a stage for one of the most soulful evenings of the season, as Jíbaros de Cunagua — the extraordinary duo of Alfred Thompson on piano and Ricardo Benítez on flute — deliver an unforgettable program of classic and Cuban jazz. Thompson is a celebrated multi-instrumentalist and former member of the legendary Cuban band Irakere, and also served as musical director for the iconic Omara Portuondo. Benítez, widely regarded as one of Cuba’s greatest flutists, has called Mexico home for over 36 years and has released three acclaimed albums: Charanguero, PaMalanga, and Danzoneando.
Together, these two childhood friends create a rich musical dialogue rooted in the rhythms and warmth of Cuba, guaranteed to move even the most discerning of ears. Your ticket is a donation of $330 pesos to La Biblioteca Pública — a small contribution for an evening of world-class artistry in one of San Miguel’s most cherished cultural spaces.
Organizer
The Biblioteca Pública de San Miguel de Allende, A.C. is a nonprofit cultural center and authorized charitable organization. Guided by principles of social justice, the promotion of the common good, and multiculturalism, its mission is to provide educational and cultural activities that foster harmonious integration within the community. The vision of the Biblioteca is to be a multidisciplinary and inclusive center that meets the community’s demand for training, information, and recreation, facilitating prosperity, peace, and free access to knowledge for all residents of San Miguel de Allende.
Venue
Sala Quetzal is an intimate cultural hall located inside the Biblioteca Pública de San Miguel de Allende, at Insurgentes 25, Centro, C.P. 37700, just a few blocks from the Jardín Principal and the Parroquia. Recognized for its striking mural by artist David Leonardo and its exceptional acoustics, this warm, small‑scale venue—equipped with a grand piano and audiovisual projection—hosts concerts, book presentations, poetry readings, talks, and community classes, offering a refined yet accessible space for the city’s literary and musical life.
