Azul Barrientos & Aaron Prado Trio – Musica Viva!

Azul Barrientos is a musician dedicated to observing and conserving the cultural influences and interconnections between Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Mexico. 

Born in Mexico City, Azul moved to San Antonio, Texas as a young woman, where she developed a reputation for building bridges between Mexicana and Chicana cultures. Her career has focused on preserving traditional songs from Latin America and exploring their diverse musical histories. 

As the daughter of two musicians in Mexico City, Azul was introduced to Latin America’s traditional and folkloric songs at an early age. This legacy drives her passion for reviving lost cultural traditions and sharing each song’s unique history

Azul rejoices in her Latina roots, giving new life to the rhythms and stories of previous generations.

Dr. Aaron Prado is a pianist, composer, educator, and radio personality based in San Antonio, Texas. Prado received a Doctorate of Musical Arts in piano performance at the University of Texas at Austin’s Butler School of Music in 2014. Prior to this, he attended Columbia University for undergraduate study and New York University for a Master’s Degree. From 2003-2009, Prado was Music Director at Trinity University’s jazz radio station – KRTU 91.7FM – where he is currently the host of “Aaron Prado Presents” – heard Sundays 2:00-4:00 p.m. In 2011, Prado debuted his “San Antonio Jazz Suite” – a large-scale composition scored for big band, string quartet, and narration that tells the story of San Antonio. In 2015, Prado published a book of transcriptions of solo recordings by jazz pianist Bill Evans (published by Hal Leonard). In 2018, Prado received a grant from the Artist Foundation of San Antonio to compose “The Hero’s Journey” – the piece premiered at the Instituto Cultural de Mexico. At this time, he also premiered a commissioned piece by Musical Bridges Around the World titled “Sister Cities”, which was performed by the inaugural Sister Cities Jazz Ensemble during its international music festival. In 2019, Prado released two albums: a sextet album “Live at Jazz, TX” and a trio album of original music called “And Now…” Dr. Prado was commissioned to compose a chamber work with piano for The Gurwitz 2024 International Piano Competition, to which came “El Colibrí y la Cempasúchil”. The work was performed by all three finalists alongside members of the Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra. Currently, Prado teaches and is President of the Faculty Senate at Northwest Vista College.

MAESTRO GEORGE PRADO has been a bassist, band leader and educator for more than 40 years in San Antonio. Born here in 1942, he joined the U.S. Army after high school as part of the band stationed in France during the early 1960s. Relocating to Los Angeles in the mid 1960s, George studied music at Cal State.

George has enjoyed a successful musical career since returning to San Antonio in 1980. His professional commitment to music has included membership in the Musicians Society of San Antonio and private teaching. He is a regular lecturer at Oasis Senior Education Center. He often accompanies local poets at literary events.

His credits include work with Jim Cullum’s Jazz Band, Sy Zentner Big Band, Cab Calloway, Eartha Kitt, Mose Allison, Chuck Berry and Clifford Scott. George’s own jazz ensemble, The Regency Jazz Band, founded in 1982, has performed at Jazz’SAlive, and the Texas Jazz Festival in Corpus Christi, The South Texas Music Project sponsored by jazz station KRTU, along with regular performances at The Witte Museum, The McNay Museum, Bihl Haus Arts, AnArte and Musical Bridges Art Galleries. For over 30 years, George has hosted a popular holiday concert in December called Holiday Saxophones.

After meeting José Rubén De León in 2004, the two, along with pianist Dr. Aaron Ellington Prado, began collaborating on SIMPLEMENTE LARA. Other projects have included an all bolero salute entitled El Corazón del Bolero and the tribute to singer, composer, jazz pianist Nat King Cole called Unforgettable.

Nina Rodriguez is a nationally celebrated, Grammy-winning percussionist, musical performer, clinician and educator. Her extraordinary energy and dedication to the power of music, drumming and performance has shaped her career as a lead Facilitator with Drum Cafe and a celebrated independent musician.

Through Drum Café, Nina has inspired thousands of Fortune 1,000 employees from all sectors of Healthcare to Banking, Technology and more, including those from Microsoft, Levis, Gap, Universal Music Group, NBC, Google, Amazon and scores of school districts throughout the US. She is an endorsed artist for Toca Percussion, Vic Firth and Gibralter.

Nina uses Toca Freestyle Djembes, Djun Djuns, Timbales, Congas, Cajon and a variety of hand percussion. The authenticity, tone, pitch and extreme attention to detail make these products kick! Her interactive audiences love the Toca Freestyle Djembes. Their unique colorful designs, along with their lightweight and durable construction, make them a perfect fit for her drumming participants.

Is this concert free?
No, this concert is only open to paying members. To learn more about MBAW’s membership and join, click here.

What is the parking situation?
Parking is dependent upon each venue and will be communicated directly to members prior to the event.

Can I see this artist elsewhere?
Yes. This artist is available for another membership series and a free public concert. Please return to the event calendar to see these other events.

Can I take pictures or video at the event?
Please no flash photography during artist(s) performance. We would love for you to capture and share your experience, but we do ask that you be conscientious of others and the artists during their performance so as not to disrupt the event.

Do you have other questions about this event or membership that require direct support?
Contact us