Mahogany Chamber Music Series: “An Afternoon in Havana”
Mahogany Chamber Music Series: “An Afternoon in Havana”
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Sunday, March 29th, 2026
Doors open at 2:30 PM | Show starts at 3:00 PM
$20 in advance (plus fees) | $25 at the door | $5 student tickets
Come join us for an afternoon of music featuring the music of Cuba! From Latin rhythms and dancing to exploring the breath of their musical influence around the world. Featuring guest pianist Yami CruzMontero, local favorite on saxophone Michael Shults and mahogany curator and pianist Artina McCain.
McCain was inspired to create the series in 2019 because of her passion for all artists to have a voice. Audiences are thirsty to hear something new and there is so much stunning music to be discovered. The Mahogany Chamber Series brings in artists from all over the country and the world, to perform in Memphis.
Hailed by the New York Times as a “virtuoso pianist,” Artina McCain, has built a formidable career as a performer, educator, and speaker. As a recitalist, her credits include performances at Wigmore Hall in London, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Weill Hall at Carnegie in New York City, and more.
A multi-faceted artist, McCain has been featured in a mirage of spaces. From mistress of ceremony at the Cliburn competition to guest artist at the Gates Foundation Goalkeepers and Saint Heron concert programs curated by Solange Knowles. After years of battling a performance injury, she uses her miraculous recovery to serve as an advocate of musicians’ wellness. Most recently, the BBC featured her on the podcast Sideways, telling her healing story.
Known for promulgating the work of the unsung, she has multiple album collaborations and commissions with duo partner Martin McCain, bass trombone. She arranged 24 African American Folk Songs for the Hal Leonard series for beginning and intermediate pianists. In 2026, she will release the first edition of Grammy Award winning composer, Joseph Joubert’s virtuosic piano transcriptions through the Frances Clark Center.
FEATURING:
Yami Cruz (piano)
Michael Shults (saxophone)
Artina McCain (piano)
PROGRAM:
JOSÉ MARIA VITIER Tarde en la Habana, Danza de fni de Siglo
IGNACIO CERVANTES 3 Danzas cubanas: Los delirios de Rosita, La camagüeyana, Los muñecos
ANDRÉS ALÉN Tema Con Variaciones
ERNESTO LECUONA 2 Danzas afrocubanas
ANDRÉS ALÉN Sonata for Saxophone: II. Andante, III. Allegro Molto
YAMI CRUZMONTERO Pin Pon también se fue