Afrolatin.net is the web site of Cornell W. Coley, a musician, dancer, and educator based in Boston, Massachusetts. Afrolatin.net reflects the core of Mr. Coley's mission: to bridge the African and Latin cultures in the United States of America and to expand this bridge from traditions to the contemporary and innovative. In doing so, Mr. Coley seeks to realize a vision of the United States that embraces its increasing cultural diversity and promotes a culturally balanced and inclusive leadership that supports economic equality, especially among Black and Latino groups as America culture continues to evolve.

Cornell Coley

Mr. Coley has both graduate level educational training and performance experience in education, dance ethnology, and music. He has lectured extensively at universities, colleges, schools, community centers, and other educational venues. He has toured regionally and internationally as a dancer, musician, actor, teacher, and researcher in Bali, Brazil, Cuba, Ghana, Java, Jamaica, and Mexico. As a dancer, his specialties are Afro-Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Ghanaian, Congolese, and tap. As a drummer, he teaches and performs pop, R&B, Soul, Latin, and jazz, and in 2002 founded his second Latin Jazz band, "Sugarfoot Band."

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Link to Performance Schedule

Workshops and Residencies

"...I am not quite sure how you managed to get such a large array of novice percussionists and dancers to all work together...it was magic!... participation all the way from the back row!"
  Ann Hbrowshy - Worcester Public Library

Mr. Coley conducts a wide of educational programs to promote the music and dance of Afro-Latin cultures. His programs include workshops, residencies, and special performances. These draw on a wide range of cultural references as well as Mr. Coley's extensive knowledge of the cultures of African, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Mr. Coley customizes his programs for the needs and interests of a particular audience. Possible configurations range from solo programs to group arrangements involving dancers and musicians. 

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Music and Dance Performances

In addition to his educational programming, Mr. Coley organizes and performs in a range of musical venues, ranging from solo performances to group productions. The founder of the "Women in Latin Jazz" festival, Mr. Coley currently directs -- and plays drums in -- the popular Boston-based Afro-Latin jazz and folk band, "Sugarfoot Band." He and his band are available for a wide range of performances.

Read more about Mr. Coley's performances