One of the hottest young Latin bands today, two-time Grammy-nominated Tiempo Libre, will perform Tuesday, April 20, at Mississippi State University
The 7:30 p.m. performance in Bettersworth Auditorium of Lee Hall is the final program in the 2009-10 Lyceum Series season. Tiempo Libre replaces the group Spaghetti Western Orchestra, which was originally scheduled on this date but had to cancel its American tour.
Equally at home in concert halls, jazz clubs and dance venues, the members of the Miami-based Tiempo Libre are true modern heirs to the rich tradition of the music of their native Cuba. The group”s members were all classically trained at La ENA, Cuba”s premiere conservatory, during a time when it was illegal to listen to American songs on the radio. Now, the group is a hit in the U.S. and abroad, celebrated for its incendiary, joyful performances of timba, an irresistible, dance-inducing mix of high-voltage Latin jazz and seductive rhythms.
Recently signed to Sony, the group released its latest album, the Grammy-nominated “Bach in Havana,” in 2009. The CD has enjoyed critical acclaim and is currently being played on more than 200 radio stations. The music of Bach has been an inspiration to the members of Tiempo Libre since their early school days studying in Havana; many of Bach”s masterpieces make appearances on the album.
The band has performed for “Dancing with the Stars,” “The Tonight Show” and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, to name only a few.
In addition to their performing and recording careers, the members of Tiempo Libre are committed to sharing their rich musical traditions through outreach and educational activities and have participated in artist-in-residence programs at Michigan State University and Interlochen Academy. The group has also become known for its inspiring classes on rumba, Latin jazz and traditional Cuban music, designed to reach audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Tickets at the door are $15 for adults; $12 for seniors 65+, MSU faculty and staff; $8 for children 3-12, accompanied by an adult.
For more information on the Lyceum Series or this program, contact the Lyceum office at 662-325-4201.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.