Grammy Nominated Tiempo Libre to Throw Cuban Musical Party at the Ordway, 11/20

The Cuban music group Tiempo Libre will offer an exhilarating performance of its three-time Grammy-nominated music at the Ordway on Saturday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m. Tiempo Libre's concert is the third event in the Ordway's 2010-2011 Target® World Music and Dance Series.

As seen on prime-time TV programs including "Dancing with the Stars" and "The Tonight Show," Tiempo Libre's concert is a dynamic, passionate performance of a Cuban Salsa music called timba - an exciting and engaging combination of Latin jazz and traditional Cuban son. Born in Cuba and now based in Miami, Tiempo Libre's members serve as ambassadors to Cuba's musical heritage, while celebrating their American experience. Since there hasn't been a concert yet where people haven't gotten out of their seats to dance, the Ordway will be providing a dance floor set-up near the stage for this special one-night-only concert.

"With their unique mix of traditional Afro-Cuban influences and sophisticated jazz harmonies, these seven conservatory-trained musicians offer a joyous celebration of the rich cultural traditions of Cuba," shares Patricia A. Mitchell, Ordway president and CEO.

Tiempo Libre's latest CD release, "Bach in Havana," which takes Johann Sebastian Bach as a starting point from which to explore a wide range of Cuban music forms and rhythms, was honored with a 2009 Grammy Award nomination for Best Tropical Album. This award joins a list of accomplishments including two additional Grammy Award nominations for the group's previous timba albums "Arroz Con Mango" and "Lo Que Esperabas" and noteworthy collaborations with artists like Joshua Bell, flautist Sir James Galway and Cuban legend Paquito D'Rivera.

Tiempo Libre's members come from all over Cuba - places like Santiago, Pinar del Rio and Camaguey. They grew up during the Special Period (the time when the Soviet Union pulled its support out of the island) and met while studying classical music at La ENA, Havana's premiere Russian-style conservatory. Individually they fled Cuba for freedom and reunited in Miami where they all have enjoyed thriving careers in Latin music performing, touring and recording with such artists as Albita, Cachao, Arturo Sandoval, NG La Banda, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Isaac Delgado. In their free time, the seven musicians came together to realize their collective musical dream: to create the first authentic all-Cuban timba band in the United States, hence their name Tiempo Libre (free time). Today, with concerts around the world and collaborations with leading artists and orchestras, they joke that they don't have any free time.

The group is excited to be returning to the Saint Paul, Minn. area. In November 2007, Tiempo Libre and the Minnesota Orchestra offered the world premiere of the new composition "Rumba Sinfónica," by Venezuelan composer Ricardo Lorenz, a concert also featured on National Public Radio. Tiempo Libre has also performed sold-out shows at the Dakota Jazz Club, both solo and with Sir James Galway.

Tiempo Libre will offer a number of educational events for students in the week leading up to its concert. Before the Saturday, November 20 concert, the Ordway will host an Ordway Extra program in the Ordway's Marzitelli Foyer at 6:30 p.m. Led by Twin Cities- based Latin jazz musicians, this Ordway Extra will feature panelists' musical samplings and personal perspectives on the local Latin jazz scene. To learn more about these events, visit ordway.org/events.

Complementing Tiempo Libre's appearance, urban Latin dance company CONTRA-TIEMPO will perform on Friday, November 19. The performance will bring three new works to the stage through this unique dance group which celebrates various dance genres including Salsa, Afro-Cuban, hip hop and contemporary dance.

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
The Ordway celebrates its 25th anniversary season as one of the nation's leading nonprofit performing arts centers and Saint Paul's most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway's Music Theater and McKnight stages attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance, and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordway's mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Children's Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve over 50,000 students annually. The Ordway also sponsors the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment that trains aspiring pre-professional performing artists. Together with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and The Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances.

Performance and Ticket Information:
Tiempo Libre
Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
345 Washington Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Ordway's Music Theater

Tickets start at $21 (including fees)

Box Office: 651.224.4222
Groups: 651.282.3111
ordway.org

 

 

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