(PRINCETON, NJ) -- 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! at McCarter Theatre Center. 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 6:00pm, setting the stage for a night of vibrant music and dance worthy of the Queen of Salsa.
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.
Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling Patron Services at (609) 258-2787. McCarter Theatre Center is located at 91 University Place in Princeton, New Jersey.
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!
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.
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.
McCarter is one of the country’s flagship theaters and a vibrant center for community and the performing arts. Located on the campus of Princeton University, the company is an independent nonprofit, serving as a nationally renowned, multi-disciplinary creative hub for arts and ideas, offering theatre, music, dance, spoken word, and educational programs for all ages.
A two-time Tony Award winner, McCarter’s legacy of artistic excellence dates back to its first performances in 1930. Our Town, You Can’t Take It with You, and Bus Stop all premiered at McCarter, paving the way for a long history of launching remarkable works that have gone on to tens of thousands of performances worldwide.
The company is equally revered for presenting global artists on its stages, including Yo-Yo Ma, Samara Joy, Hasan Minhaj, Jon Stewart, Caetano Veloso, Rhiannon Giddens, Patti Smith, Esperanza Spalding, Lake Street Dive, and Herbie Hancock. Of the 100,000 community members who engage with McCarter each year, more than 5,000 are students participating in educational programs in Princeton, Trenton, and schools across the region. McCarter leads with values of justice, joy, and beauty in belonging—creating a space where artists and audiences can come together to celebrate the power of live performance.
