Shhh/Peaceful was born out of a need: to carve out a space for reflection amid the digital chaos. Alongside this, it aims to challenge our attention span, build paths of thought and discovery, and create real connections and a journey through music.
In the Shhh/Peaceful manifesto, I wrote that:
"this newsletter aims to be a refuge where one can recover energy and gain new strength. But also a place where we can conspire, away from the chaos, finding time to let the brain breathe and allow ideas and discussions to emerge."
With all this in mind, I’ve always known that the writing and depth of the newsletter would eventually expand into a curatorial project. Now we can conspire in person. The first event in a series of live performances curated by Shhh/Peaceful features Aquiles Navarro.
This autumn—specifically on October 22, 23, and 24—Aquiles will travel through Milan, Bologna, and Rome with an exclusive solo live show, presenting unreleased music that has never been performed live before. The Milan and Bologna dates are held in collaboration with two like-minded platforms: Chullu Agency and Atlantico Festival.
Aquiles Navarro is a Canadian-born trumpeter of Panamanian descent and co-founder of the phenomenal ensemble Irreversible Entanglements (International Anthem). He is a vibrant musical force whose artistry transcends boundaries, blending avant-garde jazz, modalism, Latin traditions, and electronic production. Renowned for his fearless improvisations and innovative compositions, Navarro has made a lasting impact on the contemporary music scene.
Born in Toronto and raised in a family that migrated from Panama in the aftermath of the 1989 U.S. invasion, Navarro’s musical journey began early, nurtured by his grandfather’s cello playing and his family’s deep-rooted love for Latin folk music. With the trumpet as his muse, he refined his craft under the guidance of two legendary Panamanian musicians: trumpeter Victor “Vitin” Paz and saxophonist Carlos Garnett.
Aquiles Navarro is not only a virtuoso trumpeter but also a visionary leader dedicated to fostering artistic innovation and cultural exchange. His boundless creativity and entrepreneurial drive have propelled him to the forefront of the global music scene, leaving an indelible mark on stages worldwide.
As a pivotal member of Irreversible Entanglements, Navarro has performed in iconic venues from the Sydney Opera House and the Berlin Jazz Festival to intimate DIY spaces in New York City and beyond. With his electrifying performances and fearless improvisations, he has captivated audiences through the ensemble’s bold fusion of jazz, spoken word, and social commentary, breaking through both geographic and cultural boundaries.
Beyond his performance work, Navarro’s influence reaches into music entrepreneurship. As the CEO and founder of River Down Records, a pioneering label based in Panama, he is on a mission to document, expand, and inspire the creative spirit of his homeland. Through innovative collaborations and boundary-defying releases, River Down Records has become a beacon of artistic expression—providing a platform for emerging talent and showcasing Panama’s rich cultural heritage to the world.
Navarro’s dual role as a visionary artist and cultural ambassador highlights his unwavering commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and nurturing meaningful cross-border connections. With every note he plays and every initiative he leads, Aquiles Navarro continues to redefine the possibilities of contemporary jazz, leaving a lasting legacy on the global music landscape.
If you're in Italy this autumn, don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in his sonic world full! More news soon.