Otmaro Ruiz Tickets

Otmaro Ruiz is a renowned pianist, composer, and educator whose work spans jazz, fusion, and Brazilian-influenced projects. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, on June 27, 1964, Ruiz has made a lasting impact on the international jazz scene through performance, education, and collaboration. He has appeared on major stages worldwide, contributed to award-nominated projects, and shared his knowledge as a clinician and educator. This artist page provides a concise look at his background, key releases, and upcoming appearances.

Beyond performance, Ruiz has served on jazz piano faculty at the University of Southern California and taught at Shepherd University, earning recognition including an Honorary Doctorate in Musical Arts from Shepherd University in 2012. His discography features notable titles like Sojourn (2008, Minina Music / Moondo Records), Elemental (2018, Blue Canoe Records), and Essência (2020, Blue Canoe Records). In 2016, he earned a Grammy nomination as part of Catina DeLuna & Lado B Brazilian Project for Best Arrangement on Garota de Ipanema, with additional honorary nominations tied to the Latin Grammys in 2019. Ruiz continues to explore electric fusion and collaborate with legends such as Dianne Reeves, John McLaughlin, Simon Phillips, Arturo Sandoval, and Tito Puente. His 2025 slate includes Lado B Brazilian Project 2 with Catina DeLuna (Sunnyside Records) and a series of live appearances in Seattle, Santa Cruz, Mumbai, and Los Angeles. For fans and students alike, his performances are a gateway to sophisticated grooves, intricate harmony, and a generous teachable approach to the instrument.