Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Cuba-born, Vermont-based Jazz Historian, World Music Expert, and Radio/TV Host Toni Basanta. A passionate voice for global music, Toni has been on a mission to bridge cultures through sound since his arrival in Vermont in 2006. As the vibrant host of The Cuban Bridge on WWPV 92.5 FM “The Mike”, he introduces listeners to the rich intersections of jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and world music every Sunday from 12:00–3:00 p.m.

A longtime Count Basie aficionado, Toni shares vivid stories from his life in Cuba, his work as a lecturer across the Americas, and his role in producing over 600 albums. In this compelling conversation, we dive into his admiration for Basie’s enduring Legacy, and preview the highly anticipated Count Basie at 90 Celebration in Kansas City on International Jazz Day 2025.

🎙️ Get to know Toni and explore more:

🌐 www.cubanbridge.wordpress.com

📺 Havana-Fairfax Connection on LCATV

Listen to the inteview:
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joe-dimino/episodes/Toni-Basanta–Cuba-Born-Jazz-Advocate–Radio-Host-on-the-Legacy-of-Count-Basie-e31urqu

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Joe Dimino Podcaster/Artist

Joe Dimino has been writing & creating in a variety of capacities since his college days at the University of Missouri-Kansas City somewhere around 1993. If you are keeping score, that would be about 29 years+. It all began at UMKCs University News as a Sports Writer & turned into a myriad of expressive avenues. Inventing poems, art, video & audio has always been in the proverbial cards.