Jazz Room Presents: Edmar Castañeda Quartet

Colombian-born harp virtuoso Edmar Castañeda has redefined the harp’s role in jazz, blending Latin rhythms, classical influences, and improvisational brilliance into a singular sound. A Latin Grammy nominee, he has collaborated with icons including Sting, Wynton Marsalis, Béla Fleck, and Paquito D’Rivera, while also contributing to Disney’s Encanto soundtrack as performer and music consultant. Praised by NPR and The New York Times for his astonishing technique and creativity, Castañeda has captivated audiences worldwide as both composer and bandleader. His latest project, Viento Sur, showcases his World Ensemble, expanding his global musical reach. “I was born to play the harp. It is a gift from God and like every gift from God, it has a purpose. The purpose of my music is to worship Him and bring his presence and unconditional love to people. Edmar Castañeda nominated for a Latin Grammy in the category "Best Latin Jazz Album" with his album Family. Upon arriving in the United States in 1994, Colombian-born Edmar Castañeda has made a name for himself as the preeminent jazz harp virtuoso. Castañeda brings forth a brilliance that beautifully merges the jazz tradition with a diverse set of styles and genres while bringing unbridled attention to a somewhat unfamiliar instrument: the harp. Singlehandedly, Castañeda has cemented the harp’s place in jazz with innovative technique and heartfelt creativity from a wealth of formidable collaborations with music titans such as Sting, Wynton Marsalis, Bela Fleck, John Scofield, Ricki Lee Jones, Hiromi, Pedrito Martinez, Marcus Miller, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Ivan Lins, The Yellowjackets, Paco De Lucia, and Paquito D’Rivera.