NJSL Presents: A Century of Cuban Music in New Jersey

Many forms of Latin music can trace their origins to Cuba and are a core part of Cubania (Cuban national identity). As Cubans emigrated to the United States, they brought their love of music with them, especially to Hudson County, New Jersey. While many histories of Cuban and Latin music are focused on New York City, New Jersey played a critical role in the development and expansion of Cuban and Latin music in the United States. Please join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month as Dr. Benjamin Lapidus uncovers the rich history of Cuban culture, through music, in New Jersey over the last 100 years.

Benjamin Lapidus teaches popular music of the Caribbean, guitar, world music, and other courses. Lapidus has also taught Cuban tres and guitar in the Jazz and Contemporary Music Program at the New School University. He has given master classes and workshops on Caribbean music throughout the world, under the auspices of Carnegie Hall and The Smithsonian Institution, and numerous other institutions throughout the United States. Lapidus served as a scholar-in-residence for the Jewish Museum of New York during several humanitarian trips to Cuba. He has published a book about changüí and the music of Eastern Cuba as well as peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on Cuban and Puerto Rican music. As a musician, Lapidus has performed and recorded throughout the world with a Who’s Who of musicians in Spanish Caribbean music, classical, and jazz.