(Audio Described) Giovanni Hidalgo: National Heritage Fellowship Tribute Video

Giovanni Hidalgo (Ocoee, Florida) carries forward the Afro-Caribbean percussion traditions rooted in his Puerto Rican family and expands their possibilities through performance and teaching. Born in Old San Juan, Hidalgo began performing publicly at age five, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. A master of congas, timbales, and bongos, he has performed and recorded with artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Carlos Santana, and Paul Simon. Through decades of music-making and mentorship, Hidalgo has brought Puerto Rican and Afro-Caribbean rhythms to audiences around the world—ensuring that these traditions remain not only preserved, but vibrant, evolving, and alive. For more on the NEA National Heritage Fellowships: https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage