Tiempo Libre Brings Its Beats To McGlohon Theater 2/14

Tiempo Libre, the Grammy®-nominated Cuban music group, will bring its exciting combination of Latin jazz and traditional Cuban son to Charlotte's McGlohon Theatre (345 N. College St.) for one show only, Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $24 and are available online at BlumenthalCenter.org, by phone at 704-372-1000 or in person at the performing Arts Center box office located in the Belk Theater lobby.

Equally at home in concert halls, jazz clubs and dance venues, the Miami-based band has become known for its incendiary, joyful performances of timba-an irresistible, dance-inducing mix of high-voltage Latin jazz and the seductive rhythms of son. The performers are true modern heirs to the rich tradition of the music of their native Cuba. They were all classically trained in Cuba's premiere conservatories at a time when it was illegal to listen to American songs on the radio. Now they are a sensation in the U.S., with concerts all around the country and two consecutive Grammy® nominations.

In May 2009, the group will release a new Latin music album, "Bach En Havana," which draws inspiration from the music of Bach, and will feature guest tracks with Yosvany Terry and Paquito D'Rivera. One might ask: why Bach-apparently so far away both musically and geographically from Cuba? The answer is both simple and complex. The music of Bach has been an inspiration to the members of Tiempo Libre since their early school days studying at La ENA, Havana's premiere classical conservatory. So it was only natural that they would be interested in weaving their classical roots into a new musical tapestry.

To see and hear Tiempo Libre, go to http://www.tiempolibremusic.com.

The North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center serves the Carolinas as a leading cultural, entertainment and education provider. For more information, call 704-372-1000 or visit BlumenthalCenter.org. The Center receives operating support from the Arts & Science Council and the North Carolina Arts Council. The Center is also supported through the generous aid of its sponsors, including Presbyterian Hospital, The Official Healthcare Provider; U.S. Airways, Official Airline of Blumenthal Performing Arts Center; and Stanford Financial Group, sponsor of the Stanford Broadway Lights Series.

Sat, Feb. 14 at 8 p.m.

McGlohon Theatre (345 North College St., Charlotte)
Tickets start at $24

TIX/MORE INFO: BlumenthalCenter.org; 704-372-1000 or at the performing arts center box office in the Belk Theater lobby