Paquito D'Rivera Comes to Hillside's Enlow Recital Hall in September

Join an unforgettable evening with legendary saxophonist and clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera at Kean Stage in Hillside. The event, titled "Music and Conversation with Paquito D'Rivera," runs Friday, September 18, 2026, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Enlow Recital Hall, 215 North Avenue, Hillside, NJ 07205.

A multiple Grammy Award winner, D'Rivera is internationally acclaimed for blending jazz, classical, and Latin traditions into a vibrant and dynamic musical voice. His career spans decades of innovation and collaboration.

Beyond a Traditional Concert

This unique event goes beyond a traditional concert. Throughout the evening, D'Rivera's performances will be interwoven with an engaging conversation led by historian Dr. Frank Argote-Freyre, Director of Kean University's Center for Raising Excellence and Cultural Empowerment (CRECE).

The conversation will explore D'Rivera's life, artistic journey, cultural influences, and distinguished career. Audience members will also have the opportunity to participate in a live Q&A, creating a dynamic and interactive experience.

Event Details

The event is co-sponsored by Kean University's Center for Raising Excellence and Cultural Empowerment (CRECE). This special event offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the world's most celebrated musicians in an intimate and engaging setting—a celebration of music, culture, and dialogue.

Tickets and Registration

For ticket and registration information, contact Kean Stage at 908-737-7469, email ticket@kean.edu, or visit www.keanstage.com.

Union County Life covers Hillside arts and cultural events as part of its ongoing coverage of Hillside and the other 20 Union County municipalities.

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FAQ SECTION

Q: Who is Paquito D'Rivera?
A: Paquito D'Rivera is a multiple Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and clarinetist. He is internationally acclaimed for blending jazz, classical, and Latin traditions into a vibrant and dynamic musical voice. His career spans decades of innovation and collaboration.

Q: What is the event about?
A: The event, titled "Music and Conversation with Paquito D'Rivera," combines live musical performances with an engaging conversation led by historian Dr. Frank Argote-Freyre about D'Rivera's life, artistic journey, cultural influences, and distinguished career. The evening includes a live Q&A with audience participation.

Q: When is the event?
A: The event is Friday, September 18, 2026, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Q: Where is the event held?
A: The event is at Enlow Recital Hall (Kean Stage), 215 North Avenue, Hillside, NJ 07205.

Q: Is this a traditional concert?
A: No. While D'Rivera performs, the event goes beyond a traditional concert format. His performances are interwoven with conversation and dialogue, creating an interactive, educational experience.

Q: Who is leading the conversation with Paquito D'Rivera?
A: Dr. Frank Argote-Freyre, a historian and Director of Kean University's Center for Raising Excellence and Cultural Empowerment (CRECE), will lead the conversation.

Q: Can the audience participate?
A: Yes. There is a live Q&A component where audience members can ask questions and participate in the dialogue with D'Rivera.

Q: Who is sponsoring the event?
A: The event is co-sponsored by Kean University's Center for Raising Excellence and Cultural Empowerment (CRECE).

Q: How do I get tickets?
A: For ticket and registration information, contact Kean Stage at 908-737-7469, email ticket@kean.edu, or visit www.keanstage.com.

Q: What is the cost?
A: Ticket pricing information is available through Kean Stage at 908-737-7469 or www.keanstage.com.

Q: Is this event open to the public?
A: Yes. The event is open to the public. Contact Kean Stage for registration details.