Sammy Figueroa and his Latin Jazz Explosion to play the Centenary Stage

HACKETSTOWN — Sammy Figueroa and his Latin Jazz Explosion will perform at the Centenary Stage on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 8 p.m.

The performance will wrap up the January Jazz fest.

Sammy Figueroa was born in the Bronx, New York, the son of the well-known romantic singer Charlie Figueroa. His first professional experience came at the age of 18, while attending the University of Puerto Rico, with the band of bassist Bobby Valentin. During this time he co-founded the innovative Brazilian/Latin group Raices, which broke ground for many of today’s fusion bands. Since then Figueroa has played with a multitude of distinguished Jazz and Latin jazz artists including Sonny Rollins, Dave Sanborn, Quincy Jones, George Benson, Chet Baker, Stanley Clarke, Grover Washington, Jr., Al Jarreau, Lena Horne, Ruben Blades, Eddie Palmieri, and Michel Camillo, who wrote the song "And Sammy Walked In" in his honor.

In 2001, he relocated to South Florida where he discovered a rich treasure trove of Latin Jazz virtuosos and by the next year, Sammy Figueroa and his Latin Jazz Explosion made their debut at the Hollywood Jazz Festival.

Sammy Figueroa tickets are $22.50 for adults and $15 for children under 12, when purchased in advance. Ticket prices increase $5 when purchased at the door

Tickets may be purchased online at www.centenarystageco.org, at the CSC Box Office in The Lackland Center at 715 Grand Ave in Hackettstown, or by calling 908-979-0900. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday 1-5 p.m., and two hours prior to performance times. CSC also operates a second box office during the season at 217 Main Street in Hackettstown open Monday through Friday 3-6 p.m.