Fred Cantu is a trumpeter, bandleader, educator, and composer with a dynamic career spanning jazz, big band, Latin music, television, and touring. A lead trumpeter with the Buddy Rich Big Band and a regular member of Grammy-nominated Cuban jazz pianist Chuchito Valdés’ ensemble, Fred has performed at major jazz festivals across the country and tours internationally with the Elvis Tribute Tour for Elvis Presley Enterprises.
A native of the Chicagoland area, Fred leads his own 13-piece big band and maintains a busy schedule of performances, clinics, recording sessions, and guest appearances. His playing has been featured on numerous recordings and on WGN’s Singsation. He has appeared at festivals including the Chicago Jazz Festival, Detroit Jazz Festival, Telluride Jazz Festival, and Aspen Snowmass Jazz Festival. Fred released his second album, M.F.G., in 2021.