Nachito Herrera & Creole Choir of Cuba to Play Ordway in October

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts announced today that it will kick off its 2014-2015 World Music and Dance Series in October with two special one-night-only performances. The season will open with A Night in Havana with Nachito Herrera and his Cuban Orchestra on Oct. 5, followed by the Creole Choir of Cuba on Oct. 22. Both performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased online at www.ordway.org, by phone at 651-224-4222 or in person at the Ordway ticket office

One of the world's greatest Cuban pianists, the incomparable Ignacio "Nachito" Herrera combines his love of classical music with traditional Cuban rhythms and Latin jazz for an evening like no other. Herrera will be joined on stage by members of the Havana Jazz Social Club, Minnesota Youth Symphonies and local professional musicians. Herrera will lead the orchestra through a wide array of music that one would expect to hear at such legendary places as the Tropicana Club in Havana. The show also includes a dance floor for the audience to use.

Direct from Camagüey, Cuba, the Creole Choir of Cuba celebrates the history and resiliency of their Haitian ancestors who came to Cuba more than 200 years ago to escape enslavement. With influences from both the Caribbean and West Africa, the Creole Choir of Cuba tells stories of survival, faith and tragic history. Songs are sung in Creole, and are a rich blend of Haitian folk and Cuban rhythm combined with their own unique contemporary sound.

"The very first time I saw each of these artists, I immediately fell in love with the heart and soul each one brings to the stage," said Dayna Martinez, artistic director of World Music & Dance. "Nachito is not only an amazing performer, but his ability to take a familiar classical melody and transform it and give it new life with a Cuban feel is unparalleled. And Creole Choir's gift of storytelling through song not only draws you in, but makes you feel the passion and heartache conveyed through their arrangements. We are so excited to be able to share both of these amazing performances with the community."

Nachito Herrera and the Creole Choir are also part of Raíces y Suenos: the Artistry of Cuba, a series of arts-based learning and community engagement events hosted by the Ordway. Translated as Roots and Dreams, Raíces y Suenos celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Cuba through master classes, cultural conversations, workshops, lecture demonstrations and a visual arts exhibit that will open new doors for artists and audiences alike. Raíces y Suenos will continue in February 2015 with CONTRA-TIEMPO, an urban Latin dance company that fuses elements of Salsa, Afro-Cuban, hip-hop, urban and contemporary dance.

The Ordway's World Music and Dance Series is presented by Target. For tickets and more information, visit www.ordway.org.

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