Bianca Ordonez/Contributing Writer
The School of Music is planning to finish the semester with an Afro-Cuban bang, hosting Grammy award-winning percussionist Ignacio Berroa in its final event
The School of Music and the School of Architecture and the Arts are welcoming Berroa’s deep Cuban roots and jazz style in the event appropriately titled Afro-Cuban Jazz and Beyond.
“His music is unique, it has such a Latino influence,” said Michelle Vires, marketing director of the College of Architecture and the Arts. “Whether Cuban or not, the Cuban culture is something we cannot escape. It is part of our identity.”
“His music is unique, it has such a Latino influence,” said Michelle Vires, marketing director of the College of Architecture and the Arts. “Whether Cuban or not, the Cuban culture is something we cannot escape. It is part of our identity.”
The schools are working in tandem with the Cuban American Student Organization.
Berroa will give a brief historical lesson on how the Cuban revolution and other Afro movements have influenced jazz music.
“I appreciate events like these,” said Chris Castro, saxophone player and graduate student pursuing a degree in musical education. “They expose students to successful musicians who can serve as an example.”
Vires referred to the event as “entertainment with education,” not only for music students.
“Music connects you with one another,” Vires said. “All of our events are community centered, which is why our entrance fees are so low.”
Afro-Cuban Jazz and Beyond with Berroa, is open to the public on April 25 starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Performing Arts Center Concert Hall.
Admission is $20 for the general public, $15 for FIU faculty and staff and $10 for students.
All of the proceeds will go to the Israel “Cachao” Lopez Scholarship, which students in the Jazz program of the School of Music are eligible for.
– news@fiusm.com
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