Seven Steps To Havana - Aug 19th

Seven Steps To Havana is a septet of international talent featuring musicians from Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Ethiopia, and America. Their music combines the rhythmic sizzle of salsa with the harmonic richness of jazz. The resulting sounds swim the seas between musical genres- intriguing, entrancing, Latin jazz at it best!

The group is directed saxophonist and composer Douglas Little.  A veteran of many ensembles, Little has recorded nine CDs and toured throughout the United States and Europe.  In recent years he has conducted extensive music research in Cuba and Brazil.   His time in these countries has been eye opening, ear popping, and career altering.  In 2005 Little partnered with an impressive array of international musicians to form Seven Steps To Havana.  Their collective accomplishments include worldwide tours, multiple recordings, and Latin Grammys nominations.  Together as a group these musicians have energized audiences with an exciting mix of American jazz and authentic rhythms from around the world.

With band members from North and South America, the Caribbean and Africa, Seven Steps To Havana possesses a sound that exemplifies "world music."  Lovely boleros, raucous rumbas, swinging sambas, and haunting horn trios- this band soars across the musical spectrum.

Seven Steps To Havana self-titled debut CD was released in 2006. The band has performed at major festivals, jazz venues, and concert halls. Experienced educators as well as elite musicians, the members of Seven Steps To Havana have been featured as guest artists with colleges and have taught master classes at high school, universities, and conservatories.


Douglas Little (saxophone/flute/leader) - American, international tours, multiple CDs, extended studies in Cuba and Brazil, artist residency in France, numerous fellowships and awards

Viviana Pintado (pianist/vocalist)- from Cuba, three-time Latin Grammy nominee with Albita, world tours, multiple CDs, named by Miami Heard as city’s "Best Vocalist/Best Pianist."

Eliezer Freitas-Santos (percussion)- from Brazil, the son of Candomble' (Afro Brazilian Religion) priests, master of Brazilian percussion, tours throughout Americas and Europe.

Mark Miller (trombone) - American, multiple CDs to credit, tours throughout USA and Japan, performances with Jose Fajardo, Cucu Diamantes,  and other Latin music greats.

Bill Simenson (trumpet) - American, superb improviser, exceptional composer for Big Bands and arranger for salsa orchestras.  Winner of major artist awards and fellowships.

Yohannes Tona (bass) - from Ethiopia, international tours with Gospel, jazz, and Latin groups. Noted composer and bandleader, one of the most in demand players in the Upper Midwest.

Mariano Flores (drums/timbales) – from Mexico, world-class drummer, studies with the Luis “Batun” Baliente of Buena Vista Social Club.  Performances throughout Caribbean.