The 2024-2025 Dot Jazz Series kicks off on September 7th with the Ivanna Cuesta Quartet. In addition to Ivanna on drums and electronics, the quartet also features saxophonist Rick DiMuzio, pianist Jose Soto, and bassist Max Ridley.

Ivanna Cuesta was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and attended the Dominican Republic Conservatory and Berklee College of Music. The drummer, composer, educator and synthesist released her debut album, Letter to the Earth, in June. This collection of original compositions and free improvisation is inspired by Cuesta's love of the natural environment of her home country and by her concern about the state of the planet: "Since I was little I always loved nature and I was surrounded by many trees, rivers, and beaches in my country, the Dominican Republic. But climate change is a reality, and everything that I experienced as a child has been disappearing so fast— and now, they are just memories.”

In addition to her work as a bandleader, Cuesta is an in-demand sideperson. Recent appearance include Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, Claudia Medina, Kevin Harris, Gabrielle Goodman and many others.

"There are no lectures here. Just, at times, an atmospheric plea in music, to help save our planet." - Tim Larsen, Jazz Views

$15 in advance, $20 at the door. Students $10 and kids under 18 free at the door.

Special offer: Advance ticket buyers can show their ticket for 10% off dinner (alcohol excluded) at Tavolo, around the corner at 1918 Dorchester Ave.

The Dot Jazz Series is co-produced by Mandorla Music and Greater Ashmont Main Street.