As the weather heats up outside, so do the rhythms of the Jazz at the Bechtler series! June's performance summons a trio of special guests to bring the sounds of Cuba, Brazil, and Latin America to life with Latin Jazz. Latin Jazz is not limited to just Latin America but is rooted in the distinctive rhythms of Africa. There are several branches of Latin Jazz that include Afro-Cuban, bossa nova, and samba. To do the rhythms of this music justice, the Ziad Jazz Quartet brings a talented rhythm section to The Playroom stage. Long-time Jazz at the Bechtler fans will be familiar with Jim Brock, who brings an extensive kit of percussion instruments with him to the stage. Brock is noted to have performed alongside Paquito D'Rivera, Dave Valentin, Alex Acuna, Dave Valentin, and Arturo Sandoval to name a few. Sitting in on bass will be Nelson Rios, proficient at electric, synth, and upright bass, guitars and keyboards. Rios has played with a variety of artists such as Lee Ritenour, Alex Acuña, Airto Moreira, and Eyedentity. Finally, trumpeter Al Strong, who has performed with Brandford Marsalis and Aretha Franklin, will be sure to add peppery brass tones on top of the luscious beats.