Trey Anastasio will join his longtime bandmate, Brazilian percussion master Cyro Baptista, and an all-star lineup for A Banquet for the Spirits, a special two-night celebration of Baptista’s 75th birthday at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Set for November 7th and 8th, the event will highlight Baptista’s remarkable career blending Brazilian rhythms with global music traditions.
Baptista has been a key member of Trey Anastasio Band since 2002. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, he moved to New York in 1980 and soon became an integral figure in the city’s avant garde jazz scene. Known for his boundary-pushing percussion work, Baptista’s career spans decades of innovation, with his work in ensembles like Beat the Donkey and Banquet for the Spirits, and his latest project, CHAMA, which blends traditional Brazilian sounds with modern jazz elements. He’s also collaborated with a diverse range of artists over the years, including Paul Simon, Yo-Yo Ma, Herbie Hancock, John Zorn, and Wynton Marsalis.
Baptista’s relationship with Anastasio began in 2000 when both sat in with Medeski Martin & Wood during Phish’s hiatus. Over the years, he has contributed to many of Trey’s solo projects, adding his distinct percussion style to live shows and recordings.
A Banquet for the Spirits will feature special performances by Anastasio on November 7th and Cassandra Wilson on November 8th, as well as Hassan Hakmoun on the sintir and a stacked ensemble of musicians who have been part of Baptista’s journey. The concert will celebrate not only his 75th birthday but his enduring impact on music worldwide.
Find more details and ticketing information here.