Cyro Baptista Performance at Artpark with UB Students and Buffalo Community Members (July 30, 2017)
Representatives from local Native American tribes offered traditional blessings for the Beat Blossom, July 30, 2017
Since arriving in the US in 1980 from his native country Brazil, Cyro Baptista has emerged as one of the premier percussionists in the country. During his Spring-Summer 2017 Residency, Baptista worked with Buffalo sculptor Shasti O’Leary Soudant and UB students on the creation of a unique sculpture/percussion instrument, the Beat Blossom, that was installed in the Percussion Garden at Artpark. His residency culminated in a performance marking the opening of the new permanent installation on July 30, 2017. This performance included Baptista, Billy Martin, Tom Kolor, UB music students, participants in the Sound of the Community workshop, and others.
Coinciding with the rise in the public’s interest of world music, Cyro has managed to record and tour with some of music’s most popular names. His mastery of Brazilian percussion and the many instruments he creates himself, have catapulted him into world renown.
Baptista recorded with pianist Herbie Hancock on his 2005 release, Possibilities. In 2002 Baptista toured with Yo-Yo Ma’s Brazil Project and also appeared on the Obrigado Brazil album – winner of two Grammy awards. He also toured with Trey Anastasio of Phish and John Zorn. He recorded and performed worldwide with Herbie Hancock’s Grammy award winning Gershwin’s World. Baptista collaborated with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra for a Brazilian Carnival modern jazz concert. For over two years, he toured with Paul Simon's Rhythm of the Saints tour and appears on his Concert in Central Park release. He also toured worldwide with Sting in 2001.
The Creative Arts Initiative is honored to partner with Artpart to bring Baptista to Buffalo.