Cuban musician John Carlos Ayardé takes audiences on a musical journey through traditional songs, classical guitar, international music and his own compositions.
Discover the distinctive sound of the tres, one of Cuba’s most important traditional instruments, in this free Black History Month performance at St James’s Piccadilly.
John’s varied programme will celebrate his Cuban musical heritage through traditional songs and rhythms, classical guitar repertoire and original compositions.
The tres is a small Cuban guitar with three groups of strings. It plays an important role in traditional Cuban music, including son and changüí, and is recognised for its bright, rhythmic sound.
John Carlos Ayardé is an experienced guitarist, bassist, tres player and pianist. He earned a Bachelor of Arts specialising in guitar from the Guantánamo Conservatory in Cuba.
During his musical training, John worked with acclaimed guitarist and teacher Joaquín Clerch. He also performed traditional changüí music with groups including Ariel y su Mezklán, Quinteto la Luz and Zona Franca.
John contributed to the production and arrangements of the albums No Hay Tierra Como La Mía and 4 Cosas. Both albums were nominated for awards at the Cubadisco Festival in 2013.
Since establishing himself in the UK, John has become a highly sought-after musician with extensive experience performing alongside live bands.
He has contributed to the composition, arrangement and production of several albums and has performed at leading venues including the Jazz Cafe, Ronnie Scott’s and St James’s Palace.
His theatre work includes playing guitar and Venezuelan cuatro in the musical The Playboy of the West Indies.
Alongside his performances, John is a dedicated music teacher and currently works with Bilingual Beats.
The concert forms part of St James’s Piccadilly’s Black History Month programme, celebrating Black creativity through classical music, Latin music, spoken word and art.
The performance will also be streamed live on the St James’s Piccadilly YouTube channel from 12.30pm.
Admission is free, and no advance booking is required. Donations supporting the church’s creative programme are welcome.
For enquiries, contact dco@sjp.org.uk.
More Westminster Listings MORE
Black Men-Talk Health: Wellness & Mental Health for African-Caribbean Men
Black Men-Talk Health is a supportive community event created to encourage open and honest conversations about mental health,…
We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in the Renaissance
Discover the overlooked presence of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe at a special screening of Fred Kudjo Kuwornu’s…
Ankara Festival UK 2026
Ankara Festival UK returns for an inspiring evening celebrating African fashion, culture, creativity and innovation as part of…
Saturday Live: John Carlos Ayardé, Tres (Cuban guitar)
Cuban musician John Carlos Ayardé takes audiences on a musical journey through traditional songs, classical guitar, international music…
MBK Peloton
MBK Peloton brings together members of My Brother’s Keeper (MBK), a global network of over 1,100 Black men,…
Junior Academy Showcase curated by Mariatu Kanneh-Mason
Talented young musicians from the Royal Academy of Music’s Junior Academy present a special Black History Month programme…
Saturday Live: Adisa “The Verbalizer”
Internationally acclaimed poet Adisa “The Verbalizer” brings poetry, music, humour and audience participation together in a joyful Black…
Saturday Live: Adisa “The Verbalizer”
Internationally acclaimed poet Adisa “The Verbalizer” brings poetry, music, humour and audience participation together in a joyful Black…