One of the world's most iconic jazz musicians is coming to Toledo for a historic evening that blends Afro-Cuban fire, bebop virtuosity, and American jazz tradition. The Toledo Jazz Orchestra (TJO) will launch its 2025–2026 Hartmann-Bogan Jazz Series with a concert headlined by none other than Arturo Sandoval, a ten-time Grammy-winning trumpeter whose life and music have defined global jazz for decades.
The performance will take place on Saturday, October 11, at 8:00 p.m. in the newly renovated Peristyle Theater at the Toledo Museum of Art. This marks the first concert in the venue since its HVAC overhaul earlier this summer. The return of music to the Peristyle, with Sandoval leading the way, is being celebrated as a cultural milestone for the city.
Tickets and information are available at liveartstoledo.com/sandoval.
A Living Legend Returns to the Stage
Born in Artemisa, Cuba, Arturo Sandoval grew up playing trumpet in the shadows of government censorship and artistic limits. That never stopped him. By the 1970s, he co-founded Irakere, a revolutionary group that fused jazz, rock, classical, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. The band would go on to win a Grammy and launch a global movement in Latin jazz.
But Sandoval's career truly took flight after his dramatic defection to the United States in 1990, with help from his mentor Dizzy Gillespie. Since then, Sandoval has collected ten Grammy Awards, six Billboard Awards, an Emmy for film scoring, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. Most recently, he was honored by the Kennedy Center in 2024, solidifying his place among the titans of American culture.
"To open our season with Arturo Sandoval is not just thrilling—it's historic," said Alain Trudel, artistic director of the Toledo Jazz Orchestra. "He's a symbol of what jazz truly is: freedom, soul, fire, and invention."
TJO's Hartmann-Bogan Jazz Series has long been known for spotlighting top-tier talent, but Sandoval's appearance feels especially timely. His music speaks to heritage, resistance, evolution, and transcendence—qualities that resonate across cultures and generations.
"It's an honor to host someone whose music has broken borders and whose story is rooted in both pain and triumph," added Trudel. "Sandoval is more than a trumpet player. He's a force."
A Soundtrack of Freedom
Sandoval's trumpet voice is unmistakable—bright, bold, and built for storytelling. From blistering bebop runs to haunting boleros, his style bridges continents and emotions. His iconic recordings include Flight to Freedom, Danzón (Dance On), and explosive live renditions of A Night in Tunisia and Manteca, nods to his deep-rooted connection with Gillespie and the Afro-Latin jazz tradition.
He has also performed alongside some of the greatest legends in jazz and pop, from Stan Getz and Frank Sinatra to Tony Bennett and Alicia Keys. His versatility allows him to cross genre boundaries without losing the essence of who he is—a Cuban soul with an American dream realized in brass.
A Gift to the Community
The Toledo performance is made possible by a generous donation from Dr. Bethanne Snodgrass, whose support ensures that local audiences have access to global-caliber artistry. The event is expected to draw jazz lovers from across Ohio, Michigan, and beyond.
The city of Toledo, often a quiet giant in America's jazz ecosystem, continues to raise the bar through TJO's programming. Sandoval's show is more than a concert—it's a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the power of music to connect communities.
The Man Behind the Music
Sandoval's story was immortalized in the 2000 HBO film For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story, starring Andy García. The film follows his life under the Cuban regime, his secret admiration for American jazz, and his daring escape into a new life of artistic freedom. It's a story of exile, passion, and purpose—a fitting parallel to the music he makes.
Now in his 70s, Sandoval shows no signs of slowing down. His live shows remain electrifying, his technique flawless, and his charisma as magnetic as ever. Whether delivering a whisper-soft ballad or unleashing a trumpet solo that soars past the rafters, he brings an emotional depth few can match.
Don't Miss It
With limited seating and high demand, tickets to see Arturo Sandoval and the Toledo Jazz Orchestra are expected to sell fast. For jazz fans, music lovers, and anyone who appreciates the transformative power of live performance, this is the event of the season.
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