ABOUT

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Ivan Llanes is a Cuban-American percussionist, vocalist, and composer based in New York City. Rooted in Afro-Cuban tradition and shaped by jazz, Brazilian rhythms, and Soul, Llanes’ work is rhythm-driven, expressive, and culturally grounded.

 

He released his debut album, La Vida Misma, on March 22, 2024 via Vydia, marking his emergence as a composer and lead vocalist. The album earned a Cubadisco nomination for Best International Collaboration, recognizing its artistic and cultural impact.

 

Originally from Camagüey, Cuba, Llanes has built an extensive career as a percussionist and collaborating musician. He is currently a member of jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker’s Quintet and a vocalist with the Latin supergroup People of Earth, appearing at international jazz festivals and major stages.

 

As an instrumentalist, he has performed and/or recorded with Grammy Award–winning artists Arturo O’Farrill, Nella Rojas, Carlinhos Brown, Bryan Carter, and Descemer Bueno, as well as Emmy Award–winning composer Katreese Barnes. His work as a percussionist also includes his Broadway debut.

 

With his own ensemble, Llanes has appeared at leading venues and festivals including Times Square with Jazz at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, National Sawdust, The Bronx Museum, PASIC, the Jazz Plaza Festival in Havana, the International Percussion Festival 2 de Julho in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, and international performances in Antigua and Barbuda.

 

He has also shared his work through teaching and community engagement with institutions such as Carnegie Hall, Get Empowered!, and Marquis Studios, and previously held a residency teaching Cuban percussion at Hofstra University in New York. Across his work as an artist, collaborator, and educator, Llanes uses rhythm to connect cultures, generations, and communities.

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Llanes is Sponsored by:

Latin Percussion, VicFirth, Ultimate Ears Pro & Paiste​