Fridays Live: Monsieur Periné

This marks Monsieur Periné's return to SFJAZZ as part of a multi-night residency — the Latin Grammy Award-winning Colombian ensemble will bring their infectious fusion of Afro-Colombian rhythms, jazz, and vintage European influences to the Miner Auditorium for an extended celebration of tropical charm.

Fronted by the magnetic vocalist Catalina García, Monsieur Periné weaves together cumbia, tango, danzón, bolero, and gypsy jazz into what they call "suin a la colombiana" — Colombian swing. Their multilingual performances seamlessly flow between Spanish, French, English, and Portuguese, creating a musical journey that feels both familiar and wonderfully unexpected. Expect to hear their signature blend where a neo-bossa nova piece like "Bailar Contigo" can transform mid-song into a mambo, or where traditional Andean charango meets Paul Desmond-style jazz in "Tarde."

Live, García commands the stage with gracious Latin dance moves and fiery energy that quickly spreads through the audience. The ensemble's brass section — featuring saxophone, trombone, clarinet, and bugle — delivers exceptional musicianship while adding theatrical flair with synchronized choreography and playful audience interaction. As one reviewer noted, "They are the kings of their creation, Colombian swing," with García connecting not just through her voice but through pure energy that makes every performance feel like a celebration.

The group's performances are known for their choreographed surprises — synchronized kicks during solos, tableaus that form different shapes on stage, and moments where the line between performer and audience dissolves into collective singing and dancing. Their music playfully challenges cultural expectations, taking listeners from the streets of New Orleans to a rustic French club before circling back to the vibrant heart of Bogotá.

With their 2015 Latin Grammy for Best New Artist and continued evolution beyond their early "Colombian swing" label, Monsieur Periné has mastered what one critic called "the art of serious fun" — substantial, sometimes subversive music that never forgets to be entertaining. Their SFJAZZ residency promises multiple nights of this unique alchemy where musical sophistication meets irresistible joy.