Tiempo Libre to perform at Wharton Center

Two-time, Grammy-nominated, Tiempo Libre returns to Wharton Center Jan. 22. The group is known as one the hottest young Latin bands today. Equally at home in concert halls, jazz clubs and dance venues, the members of the Miami-based band are true modern heirs to the rich tradition of the music of their native Cuba. Tiempo Libre's members 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, 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 the seductive rhythms of son. The group is so popular The Miami New Times named them the "Best Latin Band 2008."

In Spring 2007, Tiempo Libre embarked upon another exciting project, the creation of a new work Rumba Sinfónica - for symphony orchestra and Cuban band. The composition is collaboration with the highly-respected Venezuelan classical composer Ricardo Lorenz. The group performs Rumba Sinfónica as part of their Wharton Center program with the MSU Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Raphael Jimenez. The second half of the program features an all-timba dance set to be announced from the stage.

Tiempo Libre is committed to the sharing of their rich musical traditions through outreach and educational activities. They have become known for their inspiring classes on rumba, Latin jazz and traditional Cuban music, designed to reach audiences of all ages and backgrounds. As part of Wharton Center's MSU Federal Credit Institute for Art & Creativity, Tiempo Libre is holding several master classes and lecture demonstrations. Students in M.S.U. Residential College, Wavery High School Students, Pleasant View Middle School Students and Interlochen Students will have opportunities to interact with the musicians.

There will be a PreView lecture in the Stoddard Grand Tier Lounge 45 minutes before the show begins. PreView lectures are free, half-hour discussions presented by industry experts that provide unique insight into the performance.

Tiempo Libre is generously supported by Performing Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art, with additional contributions from Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, General Mills Foundation, and Land O'Lakes Foundation.