Being among the very first percussionist to bring conga drumming to jazz, Candido Camero is also known for his contributions to the development of mambo and Afro-Cuban jazz.

Since his first recording in the United States six decades ago with Billy Taylor and his groundbreaking national tours with the Stan Kenton Orchestra, Candido has been the Caribbean percussionist of choice for a legion of luminaries ranging from virtuoso instrumentalists like Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Rollins to such premier vocalists as Tony Bennett and Sarah Vaughan.

In 2008 Candido was awarded with the NEA Jazz Master fellowship, the highest honor that the United States bestows on jazz artists. Watch this video of Candido Camero performing Manteca:

The JMAC Memorial Weekend is a tribute to Hartford's late great alto saxophonist, composer, and bandleader John Lenwood (Jackie) McLean, who died in 2006. The event, which memorializes his legacy, takes place in Hartford, CT. between May 16 - May 19, 2012. More info on artistscollective.org.