Santo Domingo Jazz Festival Draws More Than 500 for International Musical Showcase

The ninth edition of the Restauración International Jazz Festival brought more than 500 attendees together in Santo Domingo for an evening of live performances, musical collaboration and tributes to figures who have helped promote jazz in the Dominican Republic.

The program featured international pianists Bill O’Connell, Andrés Barrios and Eric Figueroa, alongside Dominican performers and musicians from different backgrounds. Latin jazz, flamenco-jazz and other musical influences shaped a lineup focused on artistic exchange and live improvisation.

Hosts José Martínez and Iván Fernández opened the event before Dominican singer Pirou took the stage with the Sebastián Murena Trio. Her approximately 50-minute performance launched the evening’s musical program.

Festival Recognizes Dominican Jazz Contributors

One of the evening’s highlights was a tribute to Dominican percussionist Guarionex Aquino, whose career includes performances with international artists such as Tania Maria and Michel Camilo.

The festival also recognized contributions to jazz promotion through the leadership of the State Corporation of Radio and Television (CERTV), as well as the career of artist and musician Geo Ripley.

The acknowledgments placed Dominican musicians and cultural institutions alongside the festival’s international performances, reinforcing its focus on the people and organizations that help sustain the local jazz scene.

International Pianists Bring Latin and Flamenco-Jazz Influences

American pianist Bill O’Connell performed several pieces on a Yamaha grand piano before sharing the stage with bassist Ramón Vázquez and percussionist Richie Flores. Their performance emphasized improvisation and the rhythmic foundations of Latin jazz.

Spanish pianist Andrés Barrios brought his flamenco-jazz approach to the program, blending rhythmic patterns, expressive piano work and vocals. He presented compositions from his latest recording and later invited Flores and Vázquez to join him onstage.

Eric Figueroa completed the international piano lineup with a performance marked by interpretive sensitivity and experience. One of the most warmly received moments was his Latin-jazz rendition of “Por amor,” the celebrated composition by Dominican maestro Rafael Solano.

Final Jam Session Brings Artists Together

The festival concluded with a collective performance led by Figueroa. Dominican pianist Marcio García, who is based in New York, joined percussionist David Almengod and Geo Ripley, who incorporated smaller percussion instruments into the ensemble.

The closing collaboration highlighted the variety of styles represented throughout the event and the role of improvisation in connecting musicians. The audience responded with extended applause.

General production was handled by Iván Fernández in collaboration with Events & Project EFEGE, while Ramón Vázquez served as musical director.

Festival Continues Its Cultural Mission

The ninth edition reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to presenting international-caliber performances, recognizing Dominican talent and encouraging cultural exchange through music.

The event received support from Blue Courier, Banco Popular, Ferretería Ochoa, Radisson Santo Domingo, Mardom, La 91.3 FM, 97.7 Estación, Telesistema, Color Visión, Yamaha, Besos y Abrazos, Compasillo.com, Afinarte, CTAV and Cerveza 5.0.

Readers following dominican republic news can continue to follow cultural events and performances highlighting the country’s arts scene and its connections with international artists.