Celia Cruz – A Tribute to the Queen!
McCarter Theatre Center presents
An Unforgettable Night of Cuban Music with Xiomara Laugart, Axel Tosca,
and Special Guest Tito Puente Jr.
Friday, October 10, 2025 | Pre-Show Salsa Party at 6:00 PM | Concert at 7:30 PM
PRINCETON, NJ— By Victor Deus
Prepare for an electrifying celebration of Celia Cruz’s legacy, Cuban music, and culture! On Friday, October 10, 2025, the legendary Xiomara Laugart—“The Voice of Cuba”—and her son, three-time GRAMMY®-nominated jazz pianist Axel Tosca, will headline Celia Cruz – A Tribute to the Queen! joined by special guest Tito Puente Jr. Together, they will honor the incomparable Celia Cruz with an unforgettable evening of Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz brilliance, and high-energy performance.
The evening kicks off with a lively Pre-Show Salsa Party in the lobby at 6:00 PM, setting the stage for a night of vibrant music and dance worthy of the Queen of Salsa.
About Xiomara Laugart
An iconic vocalist and cultural trailblazer, Xiomara Laugart has captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful performances and deep connection to Cuban music. She starred in the award-winning off-Broadway musical Celia: The Life and Music of Celia Cruz, bringing the Queen of Salsa’s story to life on stage, and has recorded more than 17 albums. A founding member of the acclaimed band Yerba Buena, Xiomara’s artistry spans genres from Nueva Trova to jazz and soul, carrying the rhythms of her native Guantánamo to the world stage.
About Axel Tosca
Virtuoso pianist and composer Axel Tosca blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz, funk, and experimental sounds. A prominent figure in New York’s Latin jazz scene, he has built an international reputation as both a solo artist and a founding member of the band (U)nity. His music crackles with creative energy, honoring tradition while pushing boundaries—an approach that makes him the perfect collaborator in celebrating Celia Cruz’s enduring influence.
About Tito Puente Jr.
Carrying on the legacy of his father—the legendary “El Rey de los Timbales”—Tito Puente Jr. is a dynamic percussionist, bandleader, and composer. With acclaimed albums such as In My Father’s Shoes, Puente Jr. has brought his father’s music to new generations while establishing his own place in Latin music history. His fiery performances bring an added spark to this tribute to Celia Cruz.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience three extraordinary artists in one thrilling night, celebrating the past, present, and future of Cuban music in honor of Celia Cruz—the Queen!
For tickets, visit mccarter.org or call Patron Services at (609) 258-2787.
Celia Cruz – ¡Tributo a la Reina! Viernes, 10 de octubre de 2025 a las 7:30 PM
Celebre el legado incomparable de Celia Cruz con una noche electrizante de ritmos afrocubanos, actuaciones enérgicas y una banda en vivo dinámica. ¡Únase a la Fiesta de Salsa previa al concierto en el lobby a partir de las 6:00 PM!
