Hilton Ruiz, pianist, arranger, composer and educator, is one of the top performers in Latin and Straight Ahead Jazz. Hilton's compositions appear on the soundtracks of the academy award winning 'American Beauty,' Woody Allen's, 'Crimes and Misdemeanors,' and 'Low Down Dirty Shame.' Hilton's hot Latin Jazz style has thrilled audiences all over the world. On August 26, 2002, Hilton was awarded the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for outstanding and invaluable service to the community affirming his great contribution to music.